President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has paid tribute to the late Gen. Moses Ali, describing the former senior government official and longtime Adjumani West legislator as a patriot who believed Uganda’s politics should focus on prosperity rather than tribal and religious divisions.
Museveni made the remarks on Tuesday, September 15, during his visit to Adjumani, where he first visited Gen. Ali’s grave and paid his respects ahead of the September 17 parliamentary by-election.
Gen. Moses Ali died on July 18, 2026, at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala. He was 87. He had represented Adjumani West for many years and served in senior government positions, including as Deputy Prime Minister.
Museveni said Ali understood the importance of maintaining national unity.
“He was a wise man and patriot who understood that Uganda’s politics must be about prosperity, not tribe and religion,” Museveni said.
The President also used the visit to call for unity among the people of Adjumani, arguing that political differences should not undermine development.
Development is not wealth, Museveni says
Museveni said his government had delivered roads, electricity, schools and health centres to Adjumani, but cautioned residents that infrastructure and public services alone do not automatically translate into household wealth.
He urged residents to use government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga to turn improved infrastructure and public services into productive economic activity.
“We have brought roads, electricity, schools and health centres to Adjumani, but there is a difference between development and wealth,” Museveni said.
“Our people must use this development to create wealth in their homes through PDM, Emyooga and other government programmes.”
His remarks come as the NRM campaigns have focused heavily on development continuity and economic transformation in Adjumani West. NRM candidate James Leku Pilli has pledged to pursue projects associated with the late Gen. Ali, including roads, the proposed Adjumani Stadium and efforts to elevate Adjumani town to municipality status.
Museveni backs Leku
With voting scheduled for Thursday, September 17, Museveni openly endorsed the NRM flag bearer, James Leku Pilli, urging voters in Adjumani West to elect him.
“On September 17th, I urge the people of Adjumani to vote James Leku Pilli, the NRM candidate, so that we can continue the work of transforming Adjumani together,” Museveni said.
The President’s intervention marks the final phase of the NRM campaign for the seat previously held by Gen. Ali.
Leku won the NRM primary after obtaining 9,336 votes, representing 37.2 percent, in a contest involving seven aspirants. The Electoral Commission subsequently scheduled the by-election for September 17.
The race has since narrowed to Leku and independent candidate Gasper Draga, according to reports ahead of polling day. About 51,438 registered voters are expected to participate in the election.
Leku has presented his campaign as one of continuity, promising to follow up on development programmes initiated during Ali’s tenure.
Museveni’s appeal to voters therefore places the by-election within a broader argument over development, government programmes and political unity in the constituency.
The President concluded his message with the slogan, “Manzora Adjumani!”, as the campaign entered its final hours before polling.
