Veteran Politician Moses Ali, 86, Secures Re-Election in Uganda’s Adjumani West
In a closely watched race, Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister, General Moses Ali, has been re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Adjumani West Constituency. The 86-year-old candidate, running on the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, narrowly defeated his nearest challenger, Patrick Tandrupasi, by a margin of 1,084 votes.
According to results from the January 15 elections, Ali garnered 12,854 votes against Tandrupasi’s 11,770. The victory comes despite public and legal scrutiny over the octogenarian’s age and health in recent years.
A retired military veteran, Ali campaigned on a platform of local development, promising to complete a bridge over the Nile, upgrade health centers, pave roads, and expand access to water and electricity in the constituency.
His success is seen as a demonstration of the NRM’s enduring strength in rural constituencies, even as analysts note a growing demand among younger voters for new political leadership. The win also underscores Ali’s persistent personal influence in the region, having overcome court petitions that previously challenged his eligibility to run.
Reaction
The election outcome has sparked commentary beyond the constituency. On social media platform X, user George T. Diano remarked, “At this point, the problem is not Museveni but the Ugandan people,” referencing the long-standing presidency of Yoweri Museveni and suggesting voter complicity in maintaining the political status quo.
General Moses Ali’s political career spans decades, and his latest electoral victory ensures his continued role as a key figure in both the national government and the political landscape of northern Uganda.
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