BLOG: Prof Richard Idro: The Other Side of Gen Moses Ali

RIP: Gen Moses Ali

By Prof. Richard Idro

Although I knew Gen Moses Ali since my high school days, I only interacted closely after I graduated as a pediatrician and later when I was appointed consultant pediatrician in Mulago and then as a leader in Uganda Medical Association.

Gen Ali was the chief guest at our graduation in October 2001. The Madi community used to host joint functions, and as it would be, a joint graduation ceremony was organized for us at Silver Springs Hotel. I was graduating with a Masters of Medicine degree in pediatrics and child health. Gen had recently recovered from a minor health scare. During his address, he asked if any of the graduates could explain to the community what a stroke was in Madi. He particularly became very interested in my description of this health problem, and we interacted a few times thereafter.

An extremely humble man

One day, I received a call from him, and he spoke in Madi. He introduced himself and said:

Ojogo di, Owi raa? Nya ru koku da ku! Meri nya ci ojo ndrisi ndi vu angwe ri dri si! (Healer [very funny he called me a traditional healer in Madi], good morning? I hear a lot about you and your practice. I understand you even practice healing in outside countries.) I was very amused that he translated a medical doctor to a Madi traditional healer and my practice of ojo! One of his daughters was unwell, and he wanted to bring her for an assessment to the clinic, then in Kamwokya. I gave him a late afternoon appointment.

He arrived before time and sat with his late wife and the daughter in the waiting area. The reception nurse called me and told me there is a big Army General here waiting for you. I was delayed as I still had some critically ill children in the Acute Care Unit in Mulago hospital. I apologized and explained that I would be late. He laughed and said he was comfortably seated and that he would wait. That his daughter was not as sick as the others I was handling. I should take my time.

This was one of several meetings we were to have with him and his family. Both him and his wife would send greetings on big days. One day, on Idd Aduha, he invited me and my wife to his home, and after feasting, he gave us meat to also carry along and eat!

Other than the daughter, I became a doctor to several of his grandchildren and the pleasure of interacting with several of his sons and daughters in law.

A leader, a listener, and a man who respected professionals

During my days as a leader in Uganda Medical Association, on occasions, we met him both in office and at home. Gen Moses Ali was the man who moved the decision: Pay the doctors! He was very happy to be invited to receive the UMA Award. I was his handler that day. He was there at the UMA AGM to witness me take the reigns of UMA President from Dr Ekwaro Obuku! He was very generous and supported the UMA abd Association of Surgeons Medical and Surgeons camps in different parts of the country. We would meet him in his office at OPM and present our problem. He would make his individual contribution and also call other leaders and get appointments for us to meet them.

He gave time, was an example of a hands-on father, and was an excellent mentor

On several occasions, when I came to meet him, one of the 2 sons, Hon Ali Siraje and Ali Bashir, were quietly in attendance. It left quite an impression on me. No wonder Hon Siraje is now a minister, and I know he will do well. I sometimes ask whether I am mentoring my son enough.

There are lots of other personal stories with this great man. One Christmas season, I was in Moyo and needed help. A project I was working on was stalling. He was in Adjumani. He gave me a 7.30 am appointment. I and my wife woke up very early and crossed the Laropi ferry at 6.30 am. By 7.30 a.m., we were at his home in Abiricaku, and Hon Siraje was there to welcome us!

We celebrate you, Gen Moses Ali. Rest in peace.