The President of the Justice Forum (JEEMA), Asuman Basalirwa, has called on party members to remain loyal and persistent despite political challenges and the party’s limited representation.
Addressing the JEEMA National Executive Committee (NEC) in Kampala, Basalirwa stressed that consistency and dedication are vital in politics, drawing on his own journey as an example.
He revealed that it took him four attempts before successfully being elected to Parliament.
“In 2001, I contested and got one vote. I don’t even know whose vote it was,” Basalirwa said lightheartedly, adding that he never abandoned JEEMA despite numerous political waves sweeping through the country.
He recounted navigating the Nasser Ntege Ssebaggala wave, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) surge, and the more recent National Unity Platform (NUP) movement.
While he worked with NUP at one point, he emphasized that he never switched his allegiance from JEEMA.
Currently JEEMA’s only representative in Parliament, Basalirwa praised party members preparing to carry the party flag in the upcoming elections.
He also paid tribute to the late Hussein Kyanjo, another long-serving JEEMA stalwart, noting his dedication and resilience.
“Kyanjo never shied away from the party, even when he failed at his first attempt. At that time, the Democratic Party was very strong, but he remained loyal to JEEMA,” Basalirwa said.
Acknowledging the pressures smaller parties face to merge or switch alliances in Uganda’s competitive political environment, Basalirwa stressed the importance of loyalty.
“There are many temptations, but I am proud to identify as a JEEMA member,” he said.
He also highlighted funding challenges for smaller parties, noting that inadequate financial resources have limited JEEMA’s growth.
Basalirwa said he has advocated for fair allocation of funds among political parties through the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD), particularly during election periods, though progress has been slow.
Founded in 1996, JEEMA remains one of Uganda’s oldest political parties, maintaining a consistent presence in national politics despite its modest parliamentary representation.
