Da Dona
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- Dec 16, 2025
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As Uganda counts down to President Yoweri Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, May 12, attention is steadily shifting toward one of the most anticipated political announcements that will follow — the unveiling of a new Cabinet.
And among the names many Ugandans are once again expecting to hear is that of Second Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Moses Ali.
Fresh from retaining his Adjumani West parliamentary seat in the 2026 general elections, the 87-year-old veteran politician remains one of the country’s longest-serving and most recognizable political figures. But his possible return to Cabinet is already sparking intense national debate, not only because of his age, but also his visibly declining health and ability to actively execute public duties.
For years, Moses Ali has remained politically untouchable, surviving multiple governments and political eras. From his role in the Idi Amin regime to later becoming a powerful ally in President Museveni’s government, Ali has built a political legacy that stretches across generations.
However, in recent years, public concern over his health has become impossible to ignore.
During the recent NRM nomination process, Moses Ali was nominated while seated inside his vehicle, unable to step out — an image that quickly circulated across social media and reignited questions about Uganda’s aging leadership class. In Parliament, critics say the veteran politician rarely speaks and is often unable to actively participate in debates, with some lawmakers quietly questioning whether he still possesses the energy required for high-level executive office.
📸: Moses Ali After being nominated by the NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr.Tanga Odoi in July 2025.
Yet despite the growing concerns, many political observers believe Museveni could still retain him in the next Cabinet, largely because of loyalty, historical significance, and his long-standing influence in the West Nile region.
As the country anticipates the composition of a fresh Cabinet following Museveni’s swearing-in, Moses Ali’s situation has become symbolic of a much larger national conversation — whether Uganda’s leadership is ready for generational transition or still deeply attached to old political alliances and liberation-era figures.
Critics argue that retaining leaders who are visibly struggling with health challenges undermines effective governance and blocks younger, energetic leaders from accessing opportunities to serve. Others go further, describing it as unfair to taxpayers to maintain senior officials who can barely carry out public responsibilities while continuing to occupy some of the highest offices in government.
Government die hards , however, insist Moses Ali deserves respect for his decades of service and political contribution, arguing that experience and historical loyalty still matter in governance. In West Nile especially, he continues to command influence and admiration among many supporters who see him as a symbol of stability and representation.
Still, as Uganda prepares for another five years under Museveni’s leadership, the possible reappointment of Moses Ali may become one of the clearest indicators yet of the President’s direction — whether the new Cabinet will reflect renewal and generational change, or remain dominated by familiar faces from Uganda’s old political order.
Watch👇 Video attachment of Hon. Moses Ali being Nominated by the NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr Tanga Odoi as he was set to run for another term as MP Adjuman West- Video Courtesy of KSTV UG on X:
And among the names many Ugandans are once again expecting to hear is that of Second Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Moses Ali.
Fresh from retaining his Adjumani West parliamentary seat in the 2026 general elections, the 87-year-old veteran politician remains one of the country’s longest-serving and most recognizable political figures. But his possible return to Cabinet is already sparking intense national debate, not only because of his age, but also his visibly declining health and ability to actively execute public duties.
For years, Moses Ali has remained politically untouchable, surviving multiple governments and political eras. From his role in the Idi Amin regime to later becoming a powerful ally in President Museveni’s government, Ali has built a political legacy that stretches across generations.
However, in recent years, public concern over his health has become impossible to ignore.
During the recent NRM nomination process, Moses Ali was nominated while seated inside his vehicle, unable to step out — an image that quickly circulated across social media and reignited questions about Uganda’s aging leadership class. In Parliament, critics say the veteran politician rarely speaks and is often unable to actively participate in debates, with some lawmakers quietly questioning whether he still possesses the energy required for high-level executive office.
Yet despite the growing concerns, many political observers believe Museveni could still retain him in the next Cabinet, largely because of loyalty, historical significance, and his long-standing influence in the West Nile region.
As the country anticipates the composition of a fresh Cabinet following Museveni’s swearing-in, Moses Ali’s situation has become symbolic of a much larger national conversation — whether Uganda’s leadership is ready for generational transition or still deeply attached to old political alliances and liberation-era figures.
Critics argue that retaining leaders who are visibly struggling with health challenges undermines effective governance and blocks younger, energetic leaders from accessing opportunities to serve. Others go further, describing it as unfair to taxpayers to maintain senior officials who can barely carry out public responsibilities while continuing to occupy some of the highest offices in government.
Government die hards , however, insist Moses Ali deserves respect for his decades of service and political contribution, arguing that experience and historical loyalty still matter in governance. In West Nile especially, he continues to command influence and admiration among many supporters who see him as a symbol of stability and representation.
Still, as Uganda prepares for another five years under Museveni’s leadership, the possible reappointment of Moses Ali may become one of the clearest indicators yet of the President’s direction — whether the new Cabinet will reflect renewal and generational change, or remain dominated by familiar faces from Uganda’s old political order.
Watch👇 Video attachment of Hon. Moses Ali being Nominated by the NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr Tanga Odoi as he was set to run for another term as MP Adjuman West- Video Courtesy of KSTV UG on X:
