ADJUMANI, Uganda — Uganda’s Second Deputy Prime Minister and Member of Parliament, Gen. Moses Ali, has strongly rejected media claims alleging that his health has deteriorated so severely that a doctor advised him to choose between his political career and his life.
The veteran politician called the reports “baseless propaganda” designed to undermine his campaign ahead of the January 15, 2026 general election, where he is seeking re-election as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate for Adjumani West Constituency.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Gen Ali clarified that he has not received any such medical advice.
He also corrected public assumptions about recent travel, noting that his last trip to Germany was in October 2025 and that he has not consulted a 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 said, dismissing the speculation.
Court petition over fitness to serve
Gen Ali also addressed circulating reports of a court petition filed by writer and human rights activist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija and fellow activist Ssuna James Kiggala, which seeks to nullify his nomination on health and fitness grounds.
The petitioner duo, represented by Kiiza & Mugisha Advocates, argues that Gen Ali’s nomination violates citizens’ constitutional rights to effective and accountable representation, alleging that his advanced age and visible frailty render him unfit for parliamentary duties.
“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 said, questioning what he described as selective targeting.
Court documents seen by local media state that the petitioners contend Gen Ali appeared too weak to stand or speak during a nomination event where he was reportedly nominated from his car, an image that has fuelled public debate about his physical capacity.
The petition argues that Gen Ali may be constitutionally disqualified under several provisions of the Ugandan constitution for failing to demonstrate the physical and mental capacity necessary to serve in Parliament effectively.
As of now, the Constitutional Court has not fixed a hearing date, and the Electoral Commission has not publicly responded to the petition.
Campaign team response
Gen Ali’s political aide and campaign leader, Mr. Gabu Amacha, echoed the general’s rejection of the allegations, dismissing both health rumours and legal challenges as political tactics aimed at discrediting a well-supported 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.
Amacha emphasised that Gen Ali remains active on the campaign trail, pointing to his energetic engagements with voters as evidence of his fitness for office.
“You saw him dancing with the people. The crowds are happy, and the love for him is clear,” he noted.
He also cited Gen Ali’s performance in the NRM primary elections as a sign of continued popular support, stating that the combined votes of his three rivals did not match his own tally of 8,609 votes.
Public sentiment in Adjumani West
Reactions among voters in Ukusijoni Sub-county were mixed. Supporters like Ms. Gloria Mundua Chandia praised Gen Ali’s connections and experience.
“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, some residents called for generational change. Opposition supporter Mr. Peter Adebasiku argued that it was time for new leadership.
“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,” Adebasiku said.
Election context
Uganda’s 2026 general election is scheduled for 15 January, when citizens will elect the president and members of parliament.
Incumbent President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and opposition leaders such as Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) are among the major contenders at the national level.
Gen Moses Ali, now 86 years old, has been a long-time figure in Ugandan politics, serving in various capacities including as a senior military officer and government minister.
His candidacy reflects broader debates about age, representation, and fitness for office in African politics.
Legal framework and debate
The petitioners advocate for clearer physical fitness standards for elective office to safeguard constitutional governance and ensure constituents have effective representation.
Whether the court will entertain such novel arguments remains to be seen, but the case could set important precedents for age-related eligibility in public office if it proceeds to hearing.
