The chairman for the Justice Forum (JEEMA) Haji Muhammad Mayanja Kibirige has suspended eight senior party members over internal disputes, sparking tensions ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The suspended officials include party spokesperson Abdulnoor Kyamundu Ssentongo, Youth League Secretary Derick Namukajjo, and Youth League Chairperson Haruna Musanje, among others.
Kibirige made the announcement during a press conference held at the party’s headquarters in Mengo.
According to Kibirige, the suspensions were endorsed by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) under the guidance of JEEMA President Asuman Basalirwa.
He explained how his decision was prompted by a petition submitted by Bristow Advocates on behalf of Kyamundu, who had initiated legal action against the party and its leadership.
“These individuals had become undisciplined and repeatedly violated party principles. They were undermining the credibility of the current leadership, and we had reached a point where decisive action was necessary,” Kibirige stated.
The suspended members have been summoned to appear before JEEMA’s disciplinary committee, which will determine their fate including the possibility of permanent expulsion.
Kibirige also further announced that the terms of the current party leadership and its delegates’ conference had been extended by three years, now set to run through 2028.
“The extension was agreed upon by our Constitution Review Commission and NEC to allow sufficient time for drafting a new party constitution, mobilizing resources for the conference, and preparing effectively for the 2026 elections,” he explained.
The internal rift comes at a critical time, as JEEMA seeks to strengthen its position ahead of the 2026 elections, where it hopes to expand its parliamentary representation and influence in national politics.