The family of Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament Gen Moses Ali, has come out to reassure the public about his health.
The family on Saturday morning said that contrary to the wild speculations on social media, the 82-year-old is in good health.
The speculations were sparked by a video clip from Friday’s election event of the Speaker of Parliament at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, wherein the general appeared unwell.
In the clip from the national broadcaster UBC TV, Gen Ali is seen sitting uneasily in the front row of the MPs tent.
For about 15 seconds before the camera cuts away, the general is seen rocking side to side in the chair, his head moving vigorously and also seemingly gasping.
When contacted, however, Gen Ali daughter Ms Mariam Ali said the General was fine.
“He is okay, he is just resting right now at home but he is fine,” she said.
Pressed on the vigorous movements in the chair, Mariam said her father was only “feeling uncomfortable in that chair at the moment.”
Several of the commentators on the social media while reacting to the video, questioned why Gen Ali has been kept in public service at such an advanced age.
“I know Mr Moses Ali has satisfactorily served Uganda in different capacities since independence, and he deserves respect and honour for that but If I were his child or grandchild I would bravely advise him to think about enjoying his retirement as early as yesterday,” tweeted one Mordecai Muriisa.
“Moses Ali can no longer be the best NRM legislator that East Moyo constituents would love to have in this day and era. He needs to be released to go and retire,” chimed one Arthur Angumya.
But as recently as last year, Gen Ali was not keen on going into retirement, saying he was “very happy to continue” serving his people.
“My people will decide for me; they will have to decide. It is not up to me. It is up to the people; if they still need me to continue serving me I will do so…it is up to the people who I have already offered my life ling service and I am very happy to continue,” he said in a televised interview.
