By Aggrey Baba
Cartoonist and Makerere University lecturer Dr. Jim Spire Sentongo, popularly known for his satirical commentaries on Ugandan politics, has joined a growing wave of public voices questioning the continued political relevance of aging leaders in Uganda, this time using the nomination of Gen. Moses Ali as his focal point.
Moses Ali, 86, made headlines on Tuesday when the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) nominated him once again in the party primaries, to contest for Member of Parliament for East Moyo County in the upcoming 2026 general elections.
However, it was not his candidacy that stirred public attention, but rather the frail state in which he appeared. Too weak to walk or speak, Ali remained in his car while NRM Electoral Commission Chairman Dr. Tanga Odoi personally picked and signed his nomination forms before returning to announce him duly nominated.
Photos and videos of the process sparked outrage and concern on social media, with critics questioning Kyadondo’s sincerity in fielding such a visibly unwell candidate. Among those who weighed in was Dr. Spire, who in a sharply worded tweet drew a poignant historical contrast.
“Gen. Moses Ali was born in 1939. World War 2 was just starting. At the time Uganda got independence in 1962, he was 23 years old. When Amin overthrew Obote in 1971, Ali was 32 years old. Today, when he can hardly speak or walk anymore, he is still considered an ideal candidate to represent his people in Parliament, where he can hardly participate in anything anymore, even if he wanted.” Spire wrote.
With biting sarcasm, Spire went on to congratulate the retired four star General’s constituents for their loyalty, before pointing out the larger concern, that Gen. Ali, despite his physical condition, remains Deputy Prime Minister, a post he still holds “where he is not needed to do anything but occupy the position.”
In a veiled reference to President Museveni, Spire said: “Wait, he is only five years older than the President (officially). Give it to us.” The implication was clear, that if Uganda’s leadership trend continues, then what the country sees in Ali today might well be what it sees in Museveni in five years time.
The post has since sparked debate, with many commentators echoing his sentiments. Others, however, came to Gen. Ali’s defense. State Minister for Gender and children affairs, Dr. Balam Barugahara wrote, “Still able to lead. Let the people of East Moyo decide.”
The debate highlights the growing generational tension within Uganda’s political landscape, as younger voters increasingly call for change and transparency, while the ruling establishment continues to recycle familiar faces (some of whom have served since the early post-independence years).
In East Moyo, where Gen. Ali has long commanded political loyalty, opinions remain divided. Some residents see him as a pillar of stability and wisdom; others quietly question how effective he can be if he cannot actively engage in parliamentary duties.
For Dr. Spire, the matter is more than just one candidate but a symbol of a deeper political reality in Uganda, where power often refuses to age out, even when the body clearly has. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
