In the words of author John Ruganda, "A maimed tigress dies clawing on the soil". That is the long story of Uganda's inimitable late Moses Ali, an elder who defied even his own health and died on his feet like a lion.

When he breathed his last at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala at 4pm at the age of 87, he had many titles; a four-star, retired, general of the Ugandan People's Defence Forces. He was also a veteran politician, a serial winner of Adjumani parliamentary seat. Both achievements perennially depicted him as a battle-hardened soldier of the earth who beat age and health limitations to remain atop.

His last victory was significant: He was the MP with most votes across the country and he became Uganda's and Africa's oldest elected Member of Parliament, and the longest serving Cabinet Minister of Uganda. He has been a deputy prime minister, served in the army and has raised a stable family.