ADJUMANI, Uganda — General Moses Ali, once a formidable commander of the Uganda National Rescue Front I (UNRF I) and a key historical link to former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, remains a complex and influential figure in Uganda.
Revered by some as “The Cock of Madi” and considered living history in the West Nile region, Gen. Ali continues to serve in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government as the Second Deputy Prime Minister and Adjumani West Constituency Member of Parliament (MP).
Having entered government service in the early 1970s and held various senior ministerial positions over the decades, Gen. Ali faced a significant political setback in 2011 when he lost his parliamentary seat to the relatively unknown Santos Mulago.
However, Gen. Ali mounted a strong comeback in 2016, reclaiming the Adjumani West seat – a position he has now held for a remarkable 40 years.
During the recent NRM party primaries, the visibly frail health of the 86-year-old general became a subject of intense national debate. When picking his nomination forms, NRM Electoral Commission Chairman Tanga Odoi was compelled to nominate him from inside his vehicle, as the retired general was reportedly unable to walk or speak unaided.
This incident immediately sparked widespread public concern and criticism across social media, with many calling for his retirement from active politics. Despite this, Gen. Ali formally launched his campaign and has continued to attract hundreds of attendees to his rallies, contending against three opponents.
His rivals in the current race include Santos Adrawa, making his third attempt after two previous unsuccessful bids; Moses Kibria, who previously ran as an independent in the 2021 elections but has since joined the NRM; and Nickson Owole, a former Adjumani LC5 Chairperson who recently served as a Resident District Commissioner (RDC).
Owole, who was transferred from Moroto to Pakwach, resigned on May 7th of this year to join the NRM primaries in Adjumani District.
Despite mounting competition and his visible frailty, Gen. Ali has continued to draw crowds to his rallies, relying heavily on the support of his assistants and Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) bodyguards.
Political activist Beatrice Anzoo, based in Adjumani West, attributes this continued support partly to public curiosity, noting that “many people want to see Gen. Ali physically to confirm rumors about his condition.” Others, she claims, are drawn by the money reportedly distributed at his campaign events.
According to local reports, Gen. Ali has disbursed UGX 1 million to each of the 233 villages in Adjumani District since the commencement of the primaries.
While his exact health condition remains undisclosed, Gen. Ali, through his aides, has consistently insisted he is fit to continue representing the people of Adjumani West and intends to complete projects he initiated in the constituency.
“He even has a campaign song that many of his supporters enjoy, and that’s why people keep following him,” says Janet Apili, a resident of Adjumani Town.
Also Read: Uganda’s 86-year-old Gen Moses Ali defies retirement calls, seeks re-election in 2026
As the NRM primary campaigns draw to a close, the contest between Gen. Ali and his challengers remains intense.
Some locals have expressed concern for the general’s well-being should he lose the election.
During the recent commemoration of 23 years of peace in the West Nile, presided over by President Yoweri Museveni in Yumbe District, Gen. Moses Ali appeared visibly frail yet notably endured sitting through the six-hour-long ceremony.
Significantly, President Museveni has not publicly commented on Gen. Ali’s deteriorating health, leaving many observers to ponder the future of one of Uganda’s most enduring and complex political figures.
