Agency
Exiled human rights activist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija and fellow activist Ssuuna James Kiggala have petitioned the Constitutional Court in Kampala, challenging the eligibility of Rt. Hon. Gen (Rtd) Moses Ali to contest as Member of Parliament for Adjumani West Constituency in the 2026 general elections.
Through their lawyers, Kiiza & Mugisha Advocates, the petitioners argue that nominating the visibly frail and immobile 86-year-old retired general is unconstitutional and undermines the principles of effective representation and good governance as enshrined in Uganda’s 1995 Constitution.
According to the petition filed on Tuesday, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) nominated Gen Moses Ali as its flag bearer on June 17, 2025, an action later endorsed by the Electoral Commission on October 22, 2025.
The activists claim that during both the party and national nominations, and in subsequent public appearances, Gen Ali appeared unable to speak, walk, or move unaided, rendering the nomination, in their words, “a pitiable and unconstitutional spectacle.”
Through their lawyers, the petitioners are seeking several declarations and orders from the Constitutional Court, including a declaration that Gen Moses Ali’s candidacy and potential tenure as MP are unconstitutional, null, and void.
The Constitutional Court is expected to serve notices to Gen Moses Ali, the NRM, the Electoral Commission, and the Attorney General, requiring them to file responses within seven days. Failure to do so will allow the Court to determine the matter in their absence.
