Kampala, Uganda: As the swearing-in of Members of the 12th Parliament concluded today, Uganda’s new legislature revealed a striking generational contrast, bringing together youthful first-time lawmakers and seasoned political veterans in their late 80s.
The composition of the House reflects both continuity and change within Uganda’s political landscape, with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s long-standing reliance on experienced political and military figures remaining visible, even as younger legislators increasingly gain ground.
At the centre of the age divide is Adjumani West MP Gen Moses Ali, who, at 87 years old, is the oldest legislator in the 12th Parliament.
Yet at the opposite end is Vurra County MP Lenia Charity Kevin, aged 24, making her the youngest Member of Parliament in the August House. Interestingly, both legislators hail from Uganda’s West Nile sub-region.
Gen Moses Ali: Veteran Legislator
Born on April 5, 1939, Gen (Rtd) Moses Ali remains one of Uganda’s longest-serving political and military figures.
Despite visible health challenges during the campaign period, including difficulty walking and occasional speech strain, the veteran politician successfully retained his Adjumani West parliamentary seat.
Political observers attribute his continued relevance to deep-rooted support within his constituency and decades of public service spanning multiple governments, from the Idi Amin era to the current NRM administration.
Gen Ali began his education at Erepi Church of Uganda Primary School in Moyo District before joining Church of Uganda Junior Secondary School.
Throughout the campaigns, he defended his continued participation in politics by emphasizing experience over physical strength.
“True leadership is not measured by age, but by the wisdom and experience one carries,” he said during campaigns.
Closely behind Gen Ali is Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, aged 82.
Born on May 28, 1944, Kasaija studied Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Nairobi before joining Uganda’s political scene in the 1980s. He later joined the National Resistance Army during the Bush War and has since occupied several senior government positions.
Another veteran is Lamwo County MP Hilary Onek, aged 78, who has served in Parliament since 2001 and held several ministerial portfolios.
Also aged 78 is Catherine Akumu Mavenjina, who has previously served as Minister of State for Public Service and Resident District Commissioner.
Ruhinda County MP Kahinda Otafiire, aged 75, remains another influential figure in Parliament, while Foreign Affairs Minister Abubaker Jeje Odongo, aged 74, also returns to the House.
Youthful Voices Rising
The 12th Parliament has also ushered in a new generation of youthful legislators.
Among them is Mukono South MP Robert Maseruka, born on February 24, 2000. The former Makerere University Guild President defeated DP’s incumbent Fred Kayondo in a tightly contested election.
Maseruka studied at Bugema Adventist Secondary School and White Star Bright Secondary School before pursuing Journalism and Communication at Makerere University.
He has positioned himself as a strong advocate for youth empowerment, education, health services and long-term national planning.
Meanwhile, Lenia Charity Kevin, born on July 1, 2001, officially entered Parliament as Uganda’s youngest MP. She studied in Adjumani, Gulu and Kampala before graduating with a procurement degree from Makerere University Business School in 2024.
While at MUBS, she became the institution’s first female Vice Guild President, elected on the National Unity Platform ticket before later crossing to the ruling NRM party.
Lenia says leadership should not be judged by age alone. “I don’t think it’s about age when it comes to leadership,” she said. “It’s far from that.”
Below is a list of the Oldest and Youngest MPs in the 12th Parliament
| MP | Constituency | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Moses Ali | Adjumani West | 87 |
| Matia Kasaija | Buyanja County | 82 |
| Hilary Onek | Lamwo County | 78 |
| Catherine Akumu Mavenjina | Older Persons MP | 78 |
| Kahinda Otafiire | Ruhinda County | 75 |
| Abubaker Jeje Odongo | Orungo County | 74 |
| Robert Maseruka | Mukono South | 25 |
| Lenia Charity Kevin | Vurra County | 24 |
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