Adjumani, Uganda: The Second Deputy Prime Minister and Adjumani West County MP, Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali, has scoffed at critics, including exiled author Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, who are threatening legal action to block his 2026 parliamentary bid over claims of old age and alleged mental incapacity.
Speaking to journalists at his home in Abiricaku Village, Pachara Sub-county on Saturday, July 12, after Thursday’s mega rally, Gen. Ali dismissed what he termed as political blackmail disguised as concern over his age.
At 86, Gen. Ali said he remains mentally sound, physically resolute, and fully capable of continuing to serve the people of Adjumani and Uganda.
“Why do you want to take me to court when you should be thanking God that He has preserved me to act as a bridge between generations? I am an old man willing to serve my people without reservation, but instead of being grateful, some out of wickedness call me incapacitated and mentally unsound,” Gen. Ali said.
Gen. Ali’s remarks follow Kakwenza’s June 20, 2025, press statement in which the exiled lawyer and activist threatened to petition the Constitutional Court to block the retired General’s nomination, citing Article 80(2)(f) of the Constitution, which bars persons of “unsound mind” from holding parliamentary office.
But Gen. Ali said critics like Kakwenza, whom he dismissed as a “fugitive inviting more trouble,” are simply envious and disconnected from Uganda’s cultural values that respect elders.
“In politics, old age should be seen as a vote of confidence, not a curse. It is unfortunate that some young people, influenced by colonial sentiments, think they can lock me away when I am the cream of Uganda’s politics. Instead of pampering, you are harassing me,” he added.
He further argued that longevity is a triumph of discipline, respect, and peaceful living, not a disqualification from leadership.
Gen. Ali cited his clean record, free of corruption scandals or human rights violations—even during his rise through Uganda’s turbulent military and political history. “I recognize I am old. But is old age a crime? What wrong have I committed to attract this venomous outrage from Mr. Kakwenza and his cohorts?” Gen. Ali asked.
The veteran Gen told voters that his political journey, which began in 1968, was never guaranteed to reach this milestone age.
Despite hurdles, he remained focused on building a peaceful Uganda and now intends to complete his mission by fulfilling key infrastructure pledges for Adjumani, including; Construction of a bridge across River Nile connecting Adjumani to Moyo District, Tarmacking of Laropi Town Council-Afoji (South Sudan border), and Moyo-Koboko Road, Elevating Adjumani Town Council to Municipality status and Stabilizing electricity supply to attract factories and investments
Gen. Ali said his critics will be proved wrong come July 17, 2025, when NRM party members in Adjumani West vote for flag bearers ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Meanwhile, Gen. (Rtd) David Sejusa has condemned what he termed as “public flogging” and online humiliation targeting Gen. Ali.
Writing on X (formerly Twitter) on June 20, Sejusa appealed to Ugandans to uphold African values of respecting elders, especially those who served the country during historic moments.
Gen. Ali joined Uganda’s government in 1968 through the cadet officers’ course in the Uganda Army. He rose to serve under President Idi Amin Dada as Minister for Provincial Administration and remained a senior government figure except during President Obote II’s regime and the political transition of 1986 that ushered NRM into power.
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