Africa-Press – Uganda. The Justice Forum (JEEMA) has strongly denied allegations of internal conflict, attributing recent negative publicity to what it describes as a campaign of misinformation and indiscipline led by a former senior member of the party, Abdnoor Ssentongo Kyamundu.
In a statement signed by party chairman Muhammad Mayanja Kibirige, JEEMA addressed growing concerns from the public over reported wrangles within the party.
The leadership dismissed these claims as the product of a personal vendetta by Kyamundu, who was recently expelled from the party’s cabinet due to what they allege is a sustained pattern of misconduct and insubordination.
“This individual has a history of indiscipline,” the statement reads. “His attempts to depict JEEMA as being hijacked by a small clique are baseless and intended to serve his own political ambitions.”
The party also took the opportunity to revisit its history and ideological grounding.
JEEMA began in 1995 as a pressure group under the one-party system and was later formally registered in 2005 following the reintroduction of multi-party politics. Since then, it has fielded candidates in presidential, parliamentary, and local council elections.
Founder Muhammad Mayanja Kibirige handed over leadership to Asuman Basalirwa in 2010 in what the party touts as a model of smooth and principled transition.
Basalirwa, who remains at the helm, was reelected during the 2015 Delegates Conference.
His mandate was subsequently extended by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in 2023, citing delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing constitutional review processes, and financial constraints.
JEEMA says it has made strides in strengthening internal structures through national tours and grassroots engagement, particularly through its youth, women, and disability leagues.
However, the party acknowledges that disparities in regional support persist.
In a bid to modernize and streamline its operations, JEEMA initiated a constitutional review process, which it says is still ongoing and has included countrywide consultations.
The process is being led by a committee appointed by the 2023 National Delegates Conference and expanded by NEC approval. The party maintains that more time is needed to complete the comprehensive review.
With the 2026 general elections fast approaching, JEEMA says it has received expressions of interest from prospective candidates for various positions, including parliamentary and local government offices.
The party is currently engaging with these aspirants to assess their readiness and develop strategic plans for a stronger electoral performance.
In anticipation of the elections, JEEMA has again extended the term of all party organs by another three years, using the same constitutional provision cited in 2023.
Leadership insists that the move is not a power grab but a practical measure to allow the completion of the constitutional review, raise funds, and prepare for the polls.
Much of the statement focuses on the actions of Kyamundu, the former party spokesperson who the party accuses of trying to take over leadership through undemocratic means.
According to JEEMA, Kyamundu led a group that stormed party offices in 2015 and later embarked on unauthorised international travel under the party’s name.
The party also claims Kyamundu used “tens of millions” of shillings from unexplained sources to promote his internal presidential bid an act they say is unprecedented and raises ethical concerns.
“Kyamundu has turned to media to peddle falsehoods, including allegations that JEEMA leaders are embezzling Shs 100 million from the Electoral Commission,” the party states. “In reality, the monthly allocation based on our parliamentary strength is just Shs 8.5 million.”
The statement further accuses Kyamundu of illegally using JEEMA’s letterhead and symbols despite no longer being authorized to represent the party.
Disciplinary proceedings are said to be underway against him and eight of his alleged associates.
The party leadership sought to reassure members and supporters that the party remains united and focused on its mission. While acknowledging the disruptions caused by what it describes as a “noisy minority,” the leadership emphasised its commitment to justice, mentorship, and institutional development.
“JEEMA was founded to provide a new hope for Uganda. We remain committed to that cause and will not be distracted by those driven by egoism and personal ambition,” said Mayanja.
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