By Atukwatse Ritah
KAMPALA
President Yoweri Museveni will on Tuesday lead parliament in paying tribute to fallen former 2nd Deputy Prime Minister and Adjumani West Member of Parliament, Gen. Moses Ali as the Chief Mourner.
This was announced by the minister for Presidency, Babirye Milly Babalanda at the Uganda Media Centre, Kampala on Monday evening.
Invoking Article 99 of the 1995 Constitution, which vests executive authority in the President, Babalanda announced that President Museveni had directed that Gen. Moses Ali be accorded an official burial, and that he will lead the nation in paying tribute to the veteran statesman.
According to Babalanda, the directive is in recognition of Gen. Ali’s decades of service to the country.
She also said the government had constituted a hybrid National Organising Committee to coordinate the burial arrangements after the death of one of Uganda’s longest-serving political and military leaders.
“The National Organising Committee, chaired by the Minister for the Presidency and comprising representatives from the Office of the President, Parliament, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), the Uganda Police Force and the family of the deceased, met on Sunday to finalize the burial programme,” Babalanda said.
According to the tentative schedule, Cabinet ministers will today, Monday, July 20, convene at State House to pay tribute to the fallen statesman before a private evening vigil is held at his residence in Naguru.
On Tuesday, July 21, President Museveni is expected to lead national tributes at Parliament as chief mourner before the body is airlifted from Kololo to Abili Chako Village in Adjumani District, where an official vigil will be held later in the evening.
The final farewell will take place on Wednesday, July 22, beginning with a special district council sitting at Paridi Stadium in Adjumani, followed by prayers and the burial ceremony. Vice President Jessica Alupo will represent the government during the burial.
Gen. Moses Ali passed away at the age of 87 at Nakaseero hospital on July 18
Government described him as a leader whose legacy transcended generations, saying his contribution to national leadership, peacebuilding and public service had left an enduring mark on the country.
“We sincerely commiserate with His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uganda, General (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the bereaved family, the NRM leadership, the people of West Nile and Madi sub-region, and all Ugandans upon the loss of a renowned leader and dedicated citizen,” Babalanda said.
“He will be deeply missed not only by those who knew him, worked with him and were led by him, but also by generations of Ugandans who drew inspiration from his exemplary leadership and political career,” she added.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
