JEEMA Fires Back at Kyagulanyi Over Bugiri Remarks, Urges Opposition Unity

By Kabuye Ronald

The Justice Forum (JEEMA) has issued a strongly worded response to recent remarks made by presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, who advised voters in Bugiri Municipality to consider replacing incumbent Member of Parliament and JEEMA party president Hon. Asuman Basalirwa.

Kyagulanyi, President of the National Unity Platform (NUP), accused Basalirwa of betraying the People Power cause and urged constituents to seek new representation. However, JEEMA has denounced the statement as “inconsistent” and harmful to the broader opposition agenda, especially at a time when unity is vital ahead of the 2026 general elections.

“We note with grave concern the inconsistencies emanating from supposed friendly forces,” reads the press release signed by JEEMA spokesperson Dr. Swaib Kaggwa Nsereko. “Particularly at this critical juncture when Ugandans expect a united opposition front.”

JEEMA refrained from direct confrontation, stating it would not engage in “tit-for-tat exchanges,” but questioned Kyagulanyi’s logic in targeting Basalirwa while publicly praising regime figures such as Right Hon. Rebecca Kadaga. The party cited past experiences such as the 2021 elections in Koboko County where the opposition lost ground after similar divisions as evidence that such moves only strengthen the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

“Will the endorsement of Hon. Kadaga of NRM deliver Busoga to the opposition?” JEEMA asked. “Will the undermining of the formidable Hon. Basalirwa strengthen the opposition?”

The statement closed with a call for solidarity among opposition forces and a reminder to prioritize the broader goal of political change over internal rivalries.

“We urge opposition forces to stay united and avoid external distractions,” said Dr. Nsereko. “We thank the voters of Bugiri Municipality for their continued trust in Hon. Basalirwa Asuman.”