Veteran Ugandan politician and retired four-star general Moses Ali has officially taken the oath as Member of Parliament for Adjumani West County, extending a political career that has spanned more than five decades and multiple governments in Uganda.
The low-key swearing-in ceremony took place at Parliament on Tuesday as Uganda commenced the inauguration of members of the 12th Parliament following the January 2026 general elections.
Moses Ali Adjumani West County was among the few MPs accorded special treatment by having his oath taken inside the Parliament Conference Hall, instead of the Parliamentary pulpit like the rest of the MPs.
The other MP accorded such treatment was Enos Asiimwe (Kabula County), who was attacked earlier this year in Lyantonde district, where he escaped with severe injuries. Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige, presided over the oath-taking in these two scenarios.
At 87 years old, Gen. Moses Ali is widely expected to be among the oldest legislators in the new Parliament. He was re-elected on the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket and returns to the House after previously serving as Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament.
Uganda’s Parliament said members-elect began taking the oath of allegiance and oath of office on May 13 in ceremonies presided over by Clerk to Parliament Adolf Mwesige Kasaija. Gen. Moses Ali was among several senior government figures sworn in during the opening sessions.
Born in 1939, Moses Ali remains one of Uganda’s most recognisable political and military figures. His public service career stretches from the era of former President Idi Amin, where he served as Finance Minister, to the current administration of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, under whom he later reconciled and joined the government after years of rebellion in West Nile.
Political observers say his continued presence in active politics reflects both his enduring influence in the West Nile sub-region and the dominance of senior historical figures within Uganda’s political establishment.
Online reactions to his swearing-in have been mixed, with supporters describing him as a “living legend” and praising his longevity in public service, while critics questioned whether advanced age should limit participation in frontline politics. The debate has reignited broader national conversations about generational transition, leadership renewal, and respect for senior statesmen.
During the first day of the swearing-in exercise, Parliament administered oaths to 184 legislators as Uganda formally constituted the 12th Parliament. The process is expected to continue through the week.
