ADJUMANI, Uganda — In a contest defined by debate, deep historical ties, and political fortitude, 86-year-old Gen. Moses Ali, Uganda’s Second Deputy Prime Minister and a formidable political figure, has successfully clinched the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party ticket for Adjumani West Constituency.
This victory secures his position for what is anticipated to be his final parliamentary contest.
Gen. Ali, who has served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for over two decades, garnered a decisive 8,609 votes in the party primaries held on Thursday, July 17, 2025. This triumph significantly places him ahead of his closest rival, Nixon Owole, who received 4,492 votes. The other two candidates, Moses Kibrai and Santos Gabriel Adrawa, trailed with 1,454 and 810 votes, respectively.
Despite his advanced age and persistent public discussion surrounding his health, Gen. Ali remains an influential force in Ugandan politics. His candidacy drew considerable attention globally on June 17, 2025, when a photograph of him submitting his nomination papers from inside his vehicle went viral.
The image sparked widespread online conversation, with critics questioning the physical vitality of a statesman who has largely been absent from the campaign trail, often delegating public appearances and engagement to his aides and campaign task force members.
Nevertheless, his core message, delivered through surrogates and occasional written addresses, was unequivocal: he is not yet done.
“There is unfinished business,” his camp insisted, highlighting key objectives such as his continued advocacy for a new bridge at Laropi over the Nile, expanded access to clean water, the tarmacking of the Laropi–Moyo–Afoji road, improved health infrastructure, and intensified rural electrification efforts.
General Moses Ali’s enduring career
Gen. Moses Ali’s extensive political career spans back to 1968, when he commenced his journey in the Uganda Army as a cadet officer, steadily rising through the ranks to achieve the esteemed status of a four-star general.
His initial Cabinet role came in 1973, and over the subsequent decades, he has held diverse ministerial portfolios, ranging from Finance to Internal Affairs and Disaster Preparedness.
He is widely recognized as one of Uganda’s most resilient political survivors, having navigated and served through multiple governmental regimes.
His electoral record is similarly strong, having won nearly every parliamentary race since 2001, with the sole exception of a defeat in 2006.
His remarkable longevity in power is frequently attributed to a deeply entrenched political network and his symbolic stature as a key statesman, particularly within northern Uganda.
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Despite this enduring influence, his re-election bid has revealed some internal divisions within the local electorate. While a significant portion of residents in Adjumani maintains fierce loyalty to Gen. Ali, others – notably younger voters – have voiced frustration over his limited physical presence on the ground and perceived stagnation in service delivery within the constituency.
Nonetheless, Gen. Ali’s supporters steadfastly contend that his extensive experience and invaluable contacts within government remain unparalleled. They argue that his potential final term could serve as a legacy-defining chapter if he successfully fulfills the promises outlined in his most recent manifesto.
His campaign team has consistently affirmed that this will be his ultimate attempt at elective office, aiming to conclude a distinguished public service career that commenced nearly six decades ago with military service and evolved into one of the most enduring political journeys in Uganda’s history.
With Uganda’s general elections officially slated for January 12, 2026, it remains to be seen whether Gen. Ali will successfully fend off his challengers to retain the Adjumani West County seat, adding another chapter to his remarkable political saga.
