Activists Rally Support for Dr. Spire Ssentongo Amidst Shs30 Million Court Order

A collective of activists and human rights advocates in Uganda has launched a public fundraising drive to assist Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo, a prominent academic and cartoonist. This initiative follows a recent High Court ruling that mandates Ssentongo to pay a total of Shs30 million.

The financial order comprises Shs10 million as a fine for contempt of court, an additional Shs20 million awarded to Kampala International University (KIU) as punitive and exemplary damages, plus the costs associated with the legal application. The court also stipulated that failure to pay the Shs10 million fine within 14 days could result in Ssentongo’s committal to civil prison for three months.

The ruling, issued on June 18, 2026, by High Court Civil Division Registrar Simon Kintu Zirintusa, stems from a protracted dispute between Ssentongo and KIU. The university had previously secured an order on December 17, 2025, restraining Ssentongo from publishing information deemed damaging to its reputation. While KIU had initially sought much higher penalties, the court settled on the aforementioned amounts.

Organizers of the fundraising campaign emphasize that Ssentongo’s case has far-reaching implications for freedom of expression and public accountability in Uganda. Dr. Ssentongo, known for his critical commentary on governance and corruption, is a senior lecturer at Makerere University and an associate professor at Uganda Martyrs University.

Human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza has lent his support to the campaign, stating, “Courts can fine him. But we shouldn’t allow them to silence Spire.” The campaign aims not only to meet Ssentongo’s financial obligations but also to spark broader public discourse on the delicate balance between institutional reputation, court orders, and the fundamental right to free expression.

Contributions can be made via MTN Mobile Money to +256 776 462727, under the name Agather Atuhaire, with the reference “SPIRE.” The organizers urge the public to contribute and share information, framing Ssentongo’s situation as a critical juncture for citizens’ ability to question powerful institutions without fear of reprisal.

Source: Nile Post