The Justice Forum (JEEMA) used its annual Iftar dinner on Friday evening to deliver a powerful political message of ideological resilience, electoral accountability, and long-term commitment to Uganda’s democratic future.
Held on March 6 at the party’s headquarters in Mengo, the event attracted a wide range of dignitaries from across the political spectrum, religious leaders, youth representatives, and members of the surrounding community. Among the notable attendees were party president Asuman Basalirwa, Secretary General Kateregga Mohamed, party chairman Mayanja Kibirige, and founding member Imam Iddi Kasozi. The gathering also drew representatives from other political parties and government officials.
Despite heavy rainfall in Kampala, the dinner hall remained filled as party leaders and supporters convened to share a meal marking the Muslim holy month of Ramadan while reflecting on the party’s political trajectory and Uganda’s current political climate.
Secretary General Condemns Electoral Irregularities
In his opening address, Secretary General Kateregga Mohamed welcomed attendees who braved the rainy weather to attend the event. He used the platform to present what he described as a candid report on the recently concluded general elections.
Kateregga strongly condemned incidents of violence, intimidation, and electoral manipulation reported during the polls.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the violence and rigging that marred the electoral process,” he said, emphasizing that such practices undermine democratic progress in Uganda.
Despite the challenges, he noted that the party had made notable strides by securing councilor positions in several areas, particularly in Northern Uganda and the Busoga sub-region, describing the outcome as evidence that JEEMA’s political message continues to resonate across different parts of the country.
A Founder Reflects on the Birth of a Political Movement
One of the most anticipated speeches of the evening came from Imam Iddi Kasozi, one of the founding figures of JEEMA, who offered a reflective account of the party’s beginnings more than three decades ago.
Kasozi recalled the moment when a group of politically conscious Ugandans made the bold decision to form a political party and front a presidential candidate—an idea that many initially dismissed.
He narrated how, during the party’s first press conference announcing its intentions, he personally addressed the media, an appearance that drew a memorable headline in the Daily Monitor: “The unknown Kasozi and fellows to challenge Museveni.”
According to Kasozi, that moment marked the planting of a political vision that has continued to grow.
“The seed was sown, it germinated, and now it is the JEEMA that we see today,” he told the audience.
He stressed that the party’s mission has never been about amassing large numbers for the sake of political optics but about nurturing a committed membership grounded in strong ideological principles.
“JEEMA isn’t about numbers,” he said. “It is about committed individuals who understand the party’s values, its morals, and who carry a sound mind.”
Leadership Reaffirms Ideological Politics
Both party president Asuman Basalirwa and chairman Mayanja Kibirige echoed Kasozi’s sentiments, urging members to remain focused on building a disciplined and ideologically driven political organization.
Their remarks underscored a recurring theme throughout the evening: that JEEMA’s long-term influence will depend not on the size of its membership but on the clarity and strength of its political philosophy.
Observers noted that the gathering served not only as a religious and social occasion but also as a strategic moment for the party to reaffirm its political identity following a contentious election season.
Community Spirit Marks the Evening
The event concluded with the sharing of the Iftar meal among attendees, including party supporters, invited guests, and members of the local community.
Beyond the speeches and political reflections, the evening reinforced JEEMA’s tradition of combining faith-inspired community engagement with political dialogue—a blend that party leaders say remains central to its vision for Uganda.
As the party enters its fourth decade, the message from Mengo was clear: JEEMA intends to continue positioning itself as an ideologically grounded political force determined to shape Uganda’s democratic conversation.
