In Defence Of Gen. Moses Ali’s Return — But Should Age Eclipse Service?

As the 2026 general elections edge closer, political temperatures are beginning to rise—nowhere more so than in Adjumani District, where the return of Gen. Moses Ali to the political arena has triggered a wave of public commentary, surprise, and in some quarters, ridicule.

The 86-year-old National Resistance Movement (NRM) stalwart, a man whose name is woven deeply into Uganda’s post-independence political and military history, was nominated to participate in the party’s parliamentary primaries for Adjumani constituency. His candidacy has generated significant noise online and offline, with critics questioning not just his age, but also the implications of his longevity in politics.

But in an age where Uganda’s Parliament has often come under scrutiny for being filled with absentee leaders or youth lacking delivery, the bigger question arises—should age really be the primary metric for eligibility, or should performance and constituency impact weigh heavier?

A Legacy of Public Service

In a previous story published on Uganda Today, titled “Gen. Moses Ali: The long match of general Moses Ali eras and an Architect of Quiet Power”, the outlet explored the depth of Moses Ali’s enduring relevance, noting:

“From his early military-political life as Idi Amin’s Finance Minister, to re-emerging as a loyalist of Museveni’s NRA government, Gen. Moses Ali has consistently evolved with Uganda’s changing tides. He has been a bridge between generations and a political mentor whose resilience is unmatched.”

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That very resilience seems to be on display again, as Moses Ali reaffirms his desire to remain active in the service of his constituents.

A Call for Voters’ Judgment, Not Public Outcry

In a viral commentary penned by Nabuzale Babra, popularly known as Lady Juicy, the fiery political observer argues that public outrage from other constituencies is misplaced.

“Some people in different constituencies have been complaining about Gen. Moses Ali. But instead of shouting over his candidacy, why not let the ballot paper do the talking?” she wrote.

Babra adds that political maturity means prioritising impact over appearances:

“What matters most now is development. People want leaders who actually deliver results. Too many MPs make big promises, only to disappear for five years… Leadership is not about age. It is about action and service. It comes from God.”

She further warns against selective judgment:

“There are many young MPs who have not delivered anything meaningful for their people. Experience is the best teacher. With the years Gen. Moses Ali has spent in Parliament, there is no doubt he has impacted his community.”

Her final words summarise the dilemma best:

“He may be old, but he remains reasonable and valuable to those he serves. We no longer want leaders who have changed Uganda’s motto from ‘For God and My Country’ to ‘For God and their stomachs.’ If Gen. Moses has maintained the motto for people of Adjumani, leave him with his people.”

The Editor’s Perception: Let Merit, Not Myths, Decide

It is natural for concerns to be raised when an octogenarian returns to the political ring. However, democracy gives every eligible citizen—regardless of age—the right to offer themselves for leadership.

Let us not mistake generational fatigue for democratic disqualification. Unless there is evidence of mental incapacity, Gen. Moses Ali’s age alone cannot and should not disqualify him. Ugandans must grow out of symbolic politics and into performance-based politics.

Ultimately, the people of Adjumani know best whether they want continuity, reform, or fresh blood. What they do with the ballot will matter more than what people shout about on social media or in roadside debates.

Conclusion: Let the Ballot Speak

As Uganda approaches another political crossroads, this moment serves as a vital reminder that democracy thrives when the people—not pundits—decide. Gen. Moses Ali’s nomination is not an imposition, but an invitation to the voters of Adjumani to evaluate their past, weigh their present, and vote for their future.

Only the ballot can tell whether his legacy continues—or concludes.

Editor’s Note: As debate flares up over the nomination of Gen. Moses Ali for the ongoing NRM primaries in Adjumani, it is crucial to revisit context, not conjecture. If the seasoned veteran—now aged 86—shows no signs of mental or physical instability, then his right to contest is unquestionable. Leadership is not a matter of calendar years, but capability. The ballot paper, not public outcry, should carry the final verdict.

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