Ba Jamba Bojang is one of the pioneering figures of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and one of the men whose name is inseparable from the party’s early history. A founding-era leader, grassroots mobilizer, community leader, and the first National President of the UDP, Ba Jamba has devoted decades to the party and to the struggle for democratic change in The Gambia.
From the earliest days of the UDP, Ba Jamba emerged as a respected figure within the party. His deep roots in Brufut and the Sannehmentereng area, combined with his strong community connections, made him an important link between the party’s national leadership and its grassroots supporters.
When the UDP began building its structures following its formation in 1996, Ba Jamba was entrusted with one of the party’s highest organizational responsibilities. He became the first National President of the United Democratic Party, helping provide leadership and stability to a young political movement seeking to establish itself in a difficult political environment. Later party records continued to recognize him among the UDP’s senior leadership.
His contribution was not confined to the party’s formal structures. Ba Jamba became a respected community organizer and political mobilizer, particularly in Brufut and the surrounding communities. His involvement in local development initiatives demonstrated that his commitment to public service extended beyond electoral politics. In 2014, for example, he participated in community efforts to improve the Brufut road network, emphasizing the importance of local people taking the initiative to address the challenges facing their communities.
For decades, Ba Jamba remained a familiar and respected presence within the UDP. He stood alongside the party through elections, political challenges, periods of repression, and the long struggle for democratic change.
His loyalty to the UDP was publicly reaffirmed in 2023, when he rejected speculation that he was preparing to join the ruling NPP. He emphasized that his commitment to the principles he believed in was more important to him than money or political positions.
That steadfastness is an important part of Ba Jamba’s legacy.
In a political environment where allegiances can change and political fortunes can rise and fall, he has remained associated with the movement he helped build. His story represents the endurance of a generation of UDP activists who believed in the party long before it became the political institution it is today.
Over the years, Ba Jamba has continued to occupy senior positions within the party. He served as 1st Deputy National President in successive UDP national executives, including the 2020–2022 executive and the executive elected in 2022.
Today, his place in the UDP story is that of a pioneer, elder, organizer, and loyal party man.
Ba Jamba Bojang, thank you for your tremendous service to our country and to the United Democratic Party. Thank you for your loyalty, courage, community service, and unwavering commitment to the democratic ideals that inspired the creation of the UDP.
You were there in the early days.
You helped build the party.
You became its first National President.
You organized and mobilized at the grassroots.
You remained steadfast through difficult times.
And you continue to be part of the UDP story.
As we celebrate 30 years of the United Democratic Party, we celebrate you as one of the pioneers who helped build the party from its earliest days and whose contribution remains part of its institutional memory.
You are a pioneer.
You are a founding leader.
You are a grassroots mobilizer.
You are a community leader.
You are a party elder.
You are a loyal son of the UDP.
Happy 30th Anniversary, Ba Jamba Bojang.
May your years of service and dedication continue to inspire generations of Gambians to stand for democracy, justice, integrity, community, and a better Gambia.
UDP Media & Communications Team