In Uganda’s ever-repeating political theater, history seems to be on an endless loop. General Moses Ali, the 86-year-old veteran lawmaker and military figure, has again thrown his hat into the ring—seeking re-election as Member of Parliament for Adjumani West. The news, while not entirely surprising, has ignited fierce debate across the country, especially among Uganda’s youth.
Ali, whose public service spans an astonishing 54 years, has held key positions including Deputy Prime Minister, Minister, and Lieutenant General in the Uganda People’s Defense Forces. But this latest political move—filing nomination papers from his car due to deteriorating health—has stirred frustration and ridicule across social media.
Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world, with a median age of just 16 years. To many, Ali’s continued grip on power is not just a sign of overstaying—it’s a crisis of generational representation.
“This isn’t about disrespecting elders. It’s about truth, vision, and the future of Uganda. At his age and health condition, Moses Ali should be resting with honor, not being paraded around for political theatre,” one netizen remarked on X (formerly Twitter).
Netizens also point to his visibly declining health, with some speculating signs of Parkinson’s disease—though no official confirmation has been made. At a recent public appearance, even the body language of his Aide-de-Camp seemed to echo the silent exhaustion of the moment. Locals put it simply: “E K gwuru”—“This is exhausting.”
Despite the backlash, Moses Ali still commands loyalty in some quarters. Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi, Uganda’s Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, publicly backed the aging general in a passionate tweet:
“I will be heading to East Moyo County to campaign for our Papa Gen. Moses Ali’s re-election as MP in Adjumani district. I admire his consistency, integrity, and patriotism. Despite health challenges, he remains dedicated, always prioritizing duty… Let’s rally behind Gen. Moses Ali! His dedication, integrity, and hard work are exemplary. Despite health issues, he remains committed to nation service.”
But such endorsements have only sharpened criticism of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), which approved Ali’s bid without hesitation. Many young Ugandans are asking: How long must we recycle the same elite?
From Kampala to West Nile, a new generation is demanding leadership renewal, not more of the same.
“This is not just embarrassing,” another online user posted, “it’s a national crisis of conscience.”
In a region longing for forward-thinking visionaries, the re-nomination of Moses Ali is more than just a political decision—it’s a defining moment in Uganda’s democratic journey. The question remains: Is Uganda moving forward, or merely circling in the past?
