By Isaac K. Ssemakadde, SC
President, Uganda Law Society & Head of the Bar
The news of the passing of Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali at the age of 87 has left the Uganda Law Society and the nation in deep sorrow. We have lost not only a distinguished member of the legal profession, but also a remarkable Ugandan whose life represented resilience, humility, service and an enduring commitment to learning.
For me, the loss is deeply personal. Gen. Moses Ali was my classmate at Makerere University School of Law, in the LLB graduating class of January 29, 2008, and later at the Law Development Centre between 2008 and 2009.
At an age when many people would have retired from formal education, Gen. Ali made the bold decision to return to the classroom. He joined law school at 64 and was called to the Bar at 73 — a powerful demonstration of his intellectual curiosity, discipline and belief that learning is a lifelong journey.
His journey was even more remarkable because he shared the same classroom with his son, Ahmed Kassim. Yet despite his age, experience and distinguished public career, Gen. Ali never sought special treatment. He came to class as a student among students.
That was the character of the man.
During our university days, Gen. Ali enriched our learning experience in ways that went beyond the ordinary classroom. He understood that law is not only about statutes and textbooks but also about the realities of governance, public administration and society.
He took the initiative to invite senior public servants to engage with us through Cabinet-level briefings on contemporary national issues. These interactions expanded our understanding and connected academic learning with the practical challenges of managing a country.
Among those who shared their knowledge with us were the late Keith Muhakanizi, then Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury, and Sarah Kulata Basangwa, former Commissioner for Land Registration.
But what stood out most about Gen. Ali was his humility. In the classroom, he was not a general, a former minister or a national figure. He was simply Moses Ali, a colleague pursuing knowledge alongside us.
There was no rank, no bodyguard and no display of authority. He sat among us as an equal.
Beyond the classroom, Gen. Ali remained a custodian of history and identity. Through his book, The Odyssey of the Nubi: From Soldiers of the British Empire to Full Citizens in Uganda, he documented the journey, struggles and contributions of the Nubi community, preserving an important chapter of Uganda’s history for future generations.
For over five decades, he served Uganda in different capacities — as a soldier, mediator, politician, advocate and statesman. In West Nile, his name became associated with efforts to promote peace, stability and development.
His life also demonstrated restraint and respect for the rule of law. Although he faced legal battles, including defamation cases involving Daily Monitor and former East Moyo Member of Parliament Santos Eruaga Pino, he never used his military background or influence to intimidate those who disagreed with him.
The general who commanded armies never turned those armies against his critics.
I will also forever remain grateful for his support during my campaigns for President of the Uganda Law Society. As a respected member of the legal community, he worked tirelessly to mobilise advocates and encourage participation in the affairs of our professional body.
His commitment to the legal profession was a reflection of his broader belief in institutions and public service.
In his later years, Gen. Ali was accompanied by his son Bashir Musa, who often helped communicate his father’s thoughts and reflections. His other son, Senior Advocate Siraj Ali, a former member of the Tax Appeals Tribunal, continues the family’s tradition of service to the country.
Gen. Moses Ali’s life reminds us that leadership is not only measured by positions held or titles acquired. It is measured by the knowledge shared, the people inspired and the institutions strengthened.
The legal profession has lost a true gentleman and a rare example of lifelong learning and dedication to service.
On behalf of the Uganda Law Society, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, his classmates, the people of West Nile, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, Parliament of Uganda and all those whose lives he touched.
May the soul of Gen. Moses Ali rest in eternal peace.
