Why Uganda’s Deputy PM is trending on TikTok as Museveni campaigns for his last term

It is a political season in Uganda, and most aspirants, not only for the presidency but also for other elective positions, are busy trying to woo voters into electing them.

The January 2026 elections have attracted at least 23 candidates, including the incumbent Museveni.

But while the campaigns continue and Museveni’s age becoming an issue, one other person has turned out to be a TikTok sensation in the process. It is 86-year-old, Gen (Rtd) Moses Ali.

Despite his age, he is still seeking office and remains one of Museveni’s strongest supporters.

The veteran politician's presence at the forefront of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) rallies and events has reignited both appreciation for his enduring political utility and scrutiny over the longevity of Uganda's political old guard.

On TikTok and other social media platforms, however, questions have risen over his suitability to run for office over his condition.

General Ali cannot stand with having his aides, most of whom are from the Ugandan army, walking around or beside him.

In videos seen by the Star, he always seems unaware of his surroundings, even when meeting people or at any of their political rallies.

When seated, in most of the videos online, he always seems to move his body and cannot sit still at any given point in time.

His handlers say Ali has the energy to continue serving as East Moyo Constituency's Member of Parliament, a move likely to extend his nearly 50-year engagement in government operations, should he be re-elected.

The Ugandan politician and retired military officer is currently the Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament. 

He previously served in the Cabinet of Uganda as Third Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business from May 2011 until June 2016.

He also served as the first First Deputy Prime Minister from June 2016 to May 2021.

Ali's career is marked by his association with multiple regimes: He rose to prominence as a senior military and cabinet official (including Minister of Finance) during the regime of Idi Amin in the 1970s.

Following Amin's overthrow, he led his own rebel group, the Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF), in the 1980s.

He later negotiated a peace agreement with current President Yoweri Museveni, leading to the integration of his forces into the national army and his return to high-level government service, where he has held various ministerial and Deputy Prime Minister positions.