KAMPALA, UGANDA — Exiled human rights activist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija and fellow activist Ssuuna James Kiggala have filed a petition with the Constitutional Court, challenging the eligibility of Gen. Moses Ali to contest for the Adjumani West parliamentary seat in the upcoming 2026 general elections.
Through their legal representatives, Kiiza & Mugisha Advocates, the petitioners argue that the nomination of the visibly frail and immobile 86-year-old retired general is unconstitutional.
They contend that this action fundamentally undermines the principles of effective representation and good governance as guaranteed by Uganda’s 1995 Constitution.
The basis of the challenge
The petition, filed on Tuesday, details that the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) nominated Gen. Ali as its flag bearer on June 17, 2025, a decision later endorsed by the Electoral Commission (EC) on October 22, 2025.
The activists claim that throughout the nomination process and in subsequent public appearances, Gen Ali appeared consistently unable to speak, walk, or move unaided. They argue that this incapacitation renders the nomination, in their words, “a pitiable and unconstitutional spectacle.”
The petitioners described the scenes as embarrassing, puzzling, and tear-jerking, asserting that the process mocked democratic values and the concept of meaningful representation.
They contend that allowing a visibly incapacitated individual to represent a constituency effectively disenfranchises the voters of Adjumani West, denying them active participation in governance.
They insist that the duties of a legislator demand mental alertness, physical presence, and articulate engagement—qualities they claim the first respondent no longer possesses.
The petition further faults the NRM, the Electoral Commission, and the Attorney General for what it describes as facilitating “a symbolic and perfunctory form of representation” that diminishes the integrity of Parliament.
Filing details and supporting evidence
In a supporting affidavit, Ssuuna Kiggala recounts specific incidents, noting that on June 17, 2025, Gen Ali, who is also the 2nd Deputy Prime Minister, was nominated from his car due to ill health by NRM Electoral Commission chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi.
Kiggala added that the primaries proceeded thereafter, with Gen. Moses Ali declared the winner after garnering 8,609 votes, leading to his formal nomination by the Adjumani district returning officer, Akao Eunice Christine.
Kiggala also referenced photographs allegedly showing the general’s fragile condition, describing the public display as a violation of constitutional dignity and accountability.
The petitioners argue that endorsing Gen. Ali’s candidacy violates several key articles of the Constitution, including those guaranteeing citizen sovereignty, accountability, and effective representation (Articles 1, 8A, 17, 38(1), 61, and 79).
They assert that state institutions failed their constitutional duty to protect democratic integrity, instead reducing leadership to a farce.
Seeking judicial intervention
Through their lawyers, the activists are seeking several declarations and orders from the Constitutional Court, including:
- A declaration that Gen Moses Ali’s candidacy and potential tenure as MP are unconstitutional, null, and void.
- A declaration that he is unfit to serve due to visible physical incapacity.
- A directive for Parliament and the EC to establish minimum physical fitness standards for all candidates seeking elective office.
- A permanent injunction restraining Ali from serving as MP and an order for a by-election in Adjumani West Constituency.
They emphasize that Ugandans deserve leaders capable of meaningfully engaging in legislative duties, insisting that leadership should not be reduced to a ceremonial or sentimental gesture.
The case surfaces amid final preparations by the Electoral Commission for the Presidential and Parliamentary elections scheduled for January 15, 2026.
The matter recently drew widespread public attention when viral images showed President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the NRM presidential flag bearer, handing the party flag to the seated general, unlike other candidates who approached the podium themselves.
The Constitutional Court is expected to serve notices to Gen Ali, the NRM, the Electoral Commission, and the Attorney General, requiring their responses within seven days.
Who is Gen Moses Ali?
Gen Moses Ali, born on April 5, 1939, is a key figure in Uganda’s military and political spheres. He joined the army at a young age, receiving advanced training in Israel and the UK, and rose swiftly through the ranks—from 2nd Lieutenant in 1969 to Brigadier by 1974.
He served under Idi Amin as Minister of Interior and later Finance but fell out with the regime and lost his military privileges.
After Amin’s fall in 1979, Gen. Moses Ali went into exile and later led the Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF) rebel group during the 1980s.
In 1986, he reconciled with President Museveni, integrating his fighters into the national army and earning the rank of Major General. He was promoted to Lieutenant General in 2003 and to General in 2012.
