From Power to Isolation: How General Moses Ali Was Cast Aside After Decades in Museveni’s Government

General Moses Ali has been an important figure in Uganda's politics for many years. He has held key positions, including First Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament. However, over time, his influence has faded.

Ali’s political career has had many ups and downs. In 1991, he was removed from his role as Minister of Youth, Culture, and Sports. He later returned to government, serving in different roles, including First Deputy Prime Minister. But in 2006, Ali lost his seat in Parliament and his ministerial position. Despite this setback, he made a comeback in 2011, regaining his seat and returning to the Cabinet.

Ali’s political journey is marked by resilience. After Idi Amin’s regime fell, he went into exile in southern Sudan. In the 1980s, he led the Uganda National Rescue Front in an armed rebellion against President Milton Obote's government. After negotiating peace with President Museveni, Ali’s forces joined Uganda’s new national army, and he was promoted to Major General.

Despite these contributions, Ali’s time in the government has not been free of controversy. In 2005, he lost a defamation case against a newspaper that had accused him of being impotent. In 2014, he was also mocked for allegedly sleeping during a parliamentary session.

In recent years, Ali has been left out of the Cabinet, raising questions about his future in Ugandan politics. Some believe his age and health played a role in his exclusion, while others suggest it’s due to changes within the ruling party. Despite these setbacks, Ali still holds a significant place in Uganda's political history.

In 2021, Ali’s fall in Parliament raised concerns about his health and ability to continue in active politics. At 83, he faced questions about whether he could still handle the demands of leadership.