JEEMA finally holds Delegates' conference

By Farooq Kasule                                    

The National delegates of Justice’s Forum (JEEMA) have okayed a proposal by the National Executive Committee (NEC) to work with the Democratic Alliance (TDA).

The proclamation was made during the party’s fifth National delegate’s conference at Arch apartments in Ntinda, a Kampala suburb, after a hot debate between NEC members and the youth league that had earlier opposed the suggestion on grounds that TDA is a civil society organization.

Hajji Muhammad Kibirige Mayanja, the National chairperson of the party, said that though TDA has its challenges, it does not mean that there is nothing Justice Forum can harmonize in the alliance.

“Justice Forum only disagree with TDA on forcing its allies to withdraw from other dialogue institutions like IPOD,” Mayanja said.

Muhammad Kibirige Mayanja swearing in as the new party National Chairman for the Justice Forum (JEEMA) during the party 5th National delegates conference in Ntinda on 18thAUG 2015. Photo/Nicholas Oneal
 

Mayanja affirmed that Justice Forum will not front a presidential candidate in the forthcoming general elections but is ready to support the TDA flag bearer.

Justice Forum President Asuman Basalirwa, who was extremely delighted after retaining his seat for the second term, said that TDA and other organizations are still important to the party, not only for electoral victory against the NRM but also to make its structures strong.

“Justice Forum and other opposition parties have no capacity to unseat NRM without working as a team,” Basalirwa said.

Basalirwa declared his intentions to contest for the Bukooli North Parliamentary seat and implored delegates intending to stand for parliament posts and others to mobilize support and ensure that TDA finds them suitable for the posts.

Chemisto Kukai, the Justice Forum secretary for legal affairs has implored the hopeful candidates to ensure they have the necessary academic documents and are ready to comply with the party constitution.

Professor Abbas Kiyimba, one of the founding members of the party, warned the youth over indiscipline saying that NEC will not hesitate to show them the exit.

Justice forum party was founded in 1996 and in 2001 participated in the presidential race with Kibirige Mayanja as their candidate though he was not victorious.

It has one Member of Parliament, Hajji Hussein Kyanjo (Makindye West) and a district Chairperson, Muhammad Kateregga (Bukopmansimbi).

Meanwhile Eng. Omar Kalinge Nyago, a party delegate, has maintained that though the party has resolved not to contest for the presidential post in the forthcoming elections, he will stand as an independent.

“It is tactical; I have support from the party youth and Ugandans, “Kalinge said

Basalirwa has been re-elected as the president of the justice forum, Muhammad Kibirige Mayanja, the National chairperson and Rev.Santos Okema as the deputy chairperson.

They were sworn in by Chemisto Kukai, the party secretary for legal affairs in presence of the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) officials and over 600 delegates including Hajji Kyanjo who sat quietly in the meeting.  Other pending posts will be filled next week.