I'm fit and still in the race, says Gen Moses Ali

The second Deputy Prime Minister and Member of Parliament, Gen. Moses Ali, has dismissed media reports suggesting that his health has deteriorated to the extent that his doctor advised him to choose between his life and active politics.

The veteran politician described the allegations as baseless propaganda aimed at undermining his political career ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Gen Ali said he was unaware of such medical advice.

He claimed that his last trip to Germany was in October last year and that he has not consulted any doctor there this year.

“I want to thank you for coming to me directly. I am not aware of any doctor advising me to abandon politics. I have not been to Germany this year; I only travelled there last October,” Gen Ali stated, brushing off the claims as deliberate misinformation.

Gen Ali also addressed reports of an alleged court case filed against him by writer and human rights activist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, seeking to nullify his nomination to contest in the upcoming elections.

He said he had neither received a court summons nor been served with any legal documents related to such a petition.

“I have not received any court order or summons, so I am not aware of the alleged case. And why only me? Am I the only elderly person in Parliament?” he asked, questioning what he described as selective targeting.

His political aide and campaign team leader, Mr Gabu Amacha, echoed Gen Ali’s sentiments, dismissing the health and legal claims as political gimmicks by opponents seeking to discredit a strong candidate.

“This is pure political mischief by people who wish him ill. I am the head of his campaign team, and we continue to receive overwhelming support from voters. God willing, we shall win this election. This is not the first time such propaganda has been used against him,” Amacha said.

He added that despite the rumors surrounding Gen Ali’s health, the general remains active and energetic on the campaign trail. “You saw him dancing with the people. The crowds are happy, and the love for him is clear,” he noted.

Amacha further pointed to Gen Ali’s performance in the NRM primary elections as evidence of his popularity, saying that he defeated three rivals by a wide margin. “Even when you combine the votes of the three candidates who contested against him, they do not reach half of what Gen Ali got,” he said.

At a public rally in Ukusijoni Sub-county, voters expressed mixed reactions. Ms Gloria Mundua Chandia, a resident of the area, said she strongly supports Gen Ali, arguing that no other candidate can effectively represent the constituency.

“He is close to the President. If there is an issue affecting us, he can easily raise it directly. The other candidates are not known to the President. We still want him to remain in that seat,” Chandia said.

However, not all voters shared the same view. Mr Peter Adebasiku, who identified himself as an opposition supporter, said it was time for change. “We don’t want to be represented by old people anymore. This time, we are entrusting Mr Patrick Tandrupasi with his visionary leadership, commitment and energy to take our community to new heights,” he said.

Background

Lawyer Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, together with human rights defender Ssuna James Kiggala, through Kiiza and Mugisha Advocates, reportedly petitioned the Constitutional Court, naming the National Resistance Movement (NRM), the Electoral Commission, the Attorney General and Gen Moses Ali as respondents.

The petitioners argue that Gen Ali’s nomination and endorsement to contest for re-election allegedly violate citizens’ constitutional right to effective and accountable representation.

They claim that the Electoral Commission officially nominated Gen Ali on October 22, 2025, as the NRM flag bearer for Adjumani West after he secured 8,609 votes in the party primaries, despite what they describe as health-related concerns.

They further contend that both the Electoral Commission and the Attorney General failed in their constitutional duties by approving and facilitating the nomination of a person they allege is incapable of effectively executing the functions of a legislator.

In the 2026 general elections, Gen Moses Ali is set to face three challengers, including his closest rival, Mr Patrick Tandrupasi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).

In the 2021 general elections, Tandrupasi garnered 6,891 votes compared to Gen Ali’s 10,227, setting the stage for another closely watched contest in Adjumani West.