JEEMA declines to field or support any presidential candidate in 2026

15 October 2025, 5:27 pm

By Musaazi Richard

The Justice Forum (JEEMA) has announced that it will neither field nor support any candidate for the presidency in Uganda’s 2026 general elections.

The decision was made during a party executive meeting held at Tal Cottages Hotel in Lubaga, Kampala. Party leaders agreed that JEEMA would not present a presidential candidate this time, nor would it officially endorse any other contender for the country’s top seat.

Prior to the decision, there were internal disagreements among members. Some proposed that the party should support one of the opposition candidates, while others, particularly from areas where the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) enjoys strong support, suggested that aligning with the NRM could help JEEMA secure positions at lower levels.

However, JEEMA Secretary General Muhammad Kateregga read a formal statement confirming that the party would not endorse any presidential candidate in the 2026 elections. He added that every JEEMA member is free to individually support any candidate whose principles align with their own and those of the party.

JEEMA President and Bugiri Municipality Member of Parliament, Hon. Asuman Basalirwa, urged party members to avoid using abusive language and engaging in the politics of insults, stating that such behaviour tarnishes the country’s image.

Basalirwa also emphasised that JEEMA is not a violent party, but its members have the right to defend themselves if attacked.

Meanwhile, JEEMA spokesperson Dr Swaib Kaggwa Nsereko explained that the decision not to field a presidential candidate came after an assessment found that all the current contenders have goals and principles that differ significantly from those of JEEMA.