Moses Ali: Elderly Ugandan Politician Sneers At Critics Urging Him to Drop Re-Election Bid
- General Moses Ali stirred fresh debate after seeking re-election at 86, defying critics who questioned his age and fitness for office
- His nomination, done while seated in a car, quickly went viral, fueling both support and concern over his political longevity
- The retired four-star general hit the campaign trail days later, even dancing at a thanksgiving event to signal he’s still got it
- While loyalists praised his legacy and experience, others urged him to step aside and let new leaders take the mantle
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Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Uganda’s Second Deputy Prime Minister and Adjumani West MP, Gen Moses Ali, has pushed back against mounting public pressure to exit elective politics.
Source: UGC
The 86-year-old army veteran has insisted that he still has the energy and vision to deliver for his people.
With the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries underway, Gen Ali’s decision to contest again has sparked a national conversation about age and political longevity.
The primary race has attracted four candidates, with former LC5 chairperson Nixon Owole emerging as his closest rival. Also in the race are Santos Adrawa and Moses Kibrai.
The retired four-star general, first appointed to the Cabinet in 1973 under Idi Amin’s regime, made headlines on June 17 when he was nominated while seated in his car, an image that quickly circulated on social media and raised questions about his fitness to serve another term.
A report by the Monitor reveals that those close to the veteran politician say the questions are misplaced.
Gabu Amacha, Gen Ali’s political assistant and chairperson of his campaign task force, maintained that he is still mentally alert and physically capable.
Is Ali ready for a political battle?
Indeed, Gen Ali wasted no time after his nomination. Within days, he was on the campaign trail, even hosting a thanksgiving ceremony last week where he surprised many by attempting a dance, seemingly a deliberate show of vitality to counter rumours of frailty.
His team argues that Gen Ali’s decades of experience in both military and civil service uniquely position him to push through key development goals for Adjumani.
His resume spans more than 50 years, from joining the Uganda Army in 1968 as a cadet officer to holding top government positions in finance, trade, internal affairs, tourism, and disaster preparedness.
Source: UGC
Amacha said that if re-elected, Gen Ali intends to champion the elevation of Adjumani Town Council to municipality status, continue upgrading local infrastructure including roads and health centres, and enhance the rollout of government programmes in the district.
On the ground, opinion among voters is divided with some like Abdul Amanya, a resident of Adjumani, backing the general’s bid.
"It’s on record that he has been helping the people of Madi Sub-region. His experience will greatly help to transform our region," he said.
But not everyone agrees with his bid for MP seat as Margret Joan, another local resident, argued that it was time for him to exit the stage.
"He is now old , so we need him to rest at home as a hero other than stressing himself; better still, the government can give him a political appointment without being an MP," she stated.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
