Fifty three (53) district leaders from the Justice Forum (JEEMA) have announced their decision to sever ties with the party, citing irreconcilable differences with its current leadership.
The announcement was made by Ssentongo Abdulnoor Kyamundu, former JEEMA spokesperson and transitional team leader, in a public statement released today.
The mass exodus follows prolonged internal disputes, which the leaders say culminated in failed attempts at resolution through both internal mechanisms and the courts.
According to Kyamundu, the party has been hijacked by an “untouchable clique” within the leadership, which has abandoned JEEMA’s founding principles of justice and integrity.
“The core values and beliefs that attracted us to JEEMA were long abandoned,” Kyamundu stated, accusing the clique of treating the party as a “personal estate for personal gain.”
The departing leaders expressed gratitude to a section of JEEMA elders who, despite resistance, remained committed to the party’s original vision.
They also reaffirmed their dedication to representing constituents who value justice, promising to seek a new political home that aligns with their aspirations.
“We believe that our constituents who still believe in justice deserve representation that truly reflects their needs and interests,” Kyamundu said.
The group is currently exploring alternative political associations, with a final decision expected to be announced soon.
The defection of such a significant number of district leaders deals a blow to JEEMA, a party that has positioned itself as a champion of justice and fairness in Uganda’s political landscape.
JEEMA’s national leadership has yet to respond to the statement. Meanwhile, Ugandans await further developments as the dissenting leaders chart their next course of action.