General (Rtd) Moses Ali, Uganda’s 86-year-old Second Deputy Prime Minister and a political stalwart, was nominated on Tuesday to contest the 2026 parliamentary election for Adjumani West Constituency from inside his car, a striking moment that underscored ongoing concerns about his frail health.
The nomination, conducted at the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission offices in Kyadondo, has sparked heated debate across Uganda about leadership, age, and fitness for public office.
Ali, who has served as a Member of Parliament for East Moyo County in Adjumani District since 2011 and intermittently since 2001, is a towering figure in Uganda’s political landscape.
A former Minister of Finance, Interior, and Sports under Idi Amin’s regime and a key ally of President Yoweri Museveni, Ali has held significant roles, including First Deputy Prime Minister from 2016 to 2021 and his current position as Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament.
However, his visibly deteriorating health, with reports of incoherence and mobility issues, has raised questions about his ability to serve another term.
In a scene that captivated onlookers, NRM officials brought nomination forms to Ali’s vehicle, as the octogenarian was unable to step out due to his condition.
Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, officially nominated Ali, stating, “I, on behalf of the commission, do hereby nominate Gen. Moses Ali for Adjumani West Constituency in Adjumani District.”
The process, described by some as a “drive-through nomination”, drew mixed reactions, with netizens labelling it a “joke” and questioning why an 86-year-old in poor health continues to seek office. One user remarked, “If one can’t even stand for nomination, how will they stand for the people?”
Despite health concerns, Ali remains defiant. In June 2024, while commissioning projects in Adjumani, he dismissed rumours of his death, stating, “Some people pronounced me dead several times.
It was only Jesus Christ who died and rose again.” He challenged opponents to face him in the 2026 polls, asserting, “Elections are held every five years in Uganda. I will contest again, and if you are not happy, it’s up to you.” You can watch the video here.
Critics argue that Ali’s bid reflects a broader issue of entrenched political elites clinging to power, while supporters highlight his decades of service, including his role in negotiating peace with Museveni in the 1980s.
The nomination process, part of NRM’s roadmap for the 2026 elections, requires candidates to collect signatures from registered party members by June 17.
