The Justice Forum, known as JEEMA, is discussing the possibility of replacing its current president, Asuman Basalirwa, with a more active leader.
Basalirwa has held the position of JEEMA president since 2010. Additionally, he serves as the chairperson of the Inter-Party Organization on Dialogue (IPOD).
Basalirwa was elected to parliament in 2018 through a by-election and was subsequently re-elected in the 2021 general election to represent Bugiri Municipality.
In March of the preceding year, Basalirwa introduced the controversial Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2023, proposing stringent penalties for individuals involved in same-sex relationships or marriages in Uganda. The bill was signed into law by President Yoweri Museveni on May 29, 2023, after modifications by Parliament.
According to some party officials, Basalirwa’s focus on national matters has left him unable to effectively promote JEEMA’s ideologies, contributing to the party’s limited recognition within the country.
JEEMA currently has only one member of parliament, in contrast to other parties with larger representations.
Ssentongo Kyamundu, a former party spokesperson and aspiring candidate for the presidency, criticizes Basalirwa for failing to strengthen the party, attract supporters, and recruit new members.
However, Kyamundu acknowledges Basalirwa’s commendable efforts in advocating for the rule of law within Uganda’s parliament.
Kyamundu believes that replacing Basalirwa as president is necessary to invigorate the party’s growth and expansion.
He also raises concerns about the concentration of power within JEEMA’s leadership, emphasizing the need for greater internal democracy.
Kyamundu expresses confidence in his vision for the party, which includes a focus on youth recruitment and leadership development.
Despite never fielding a presidential candidate at the national level, Kyamundu envisions JEEMA’s ascension to power within the next decade under his leadership.
Charles Omaru, the vice president of the eastern region, underscores the importance of nurturing morally upright youth for the country’s development.
Kamanzi Edbert, JEEMA’s representative in the Western region, supports the idea of redistributing responsibilities within the party to facilitate its growth.
Efforts to reach Basalirwa for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
