The Pan African Network for Artistic Freedom (PANAF) strongly condemns the recent incident involving Ugandan cartoonist Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo, who is facing death threats following his launch of an anti-corruption campaign onX account titled UgandaParliamentExhibition, aimed at holding Parliament accountable to the general public.
Ssentongo, renowned for using social media to expose dysfunctions in Uganda, has previously endured threats for his activism. However, the gravity of the current situation has heightened, as Ssentongo disclosed that Parliament has sought access to his communication data from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
Through his official Twitter account, Ssentongo reported that he was aware that Parliament had secretly requested the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) for all his communication details, and the process had commenced. This included tracing his conversations, content, timing, location, residence, and the timing of his last communication, as well as his movements, among other details. Ssentongo expressed concerns that this action might be intended to harm him.
Addressing the UCC directly, Ssentongo suggested that while they might agree to participate in such schemes, he was fully aware of their actions. He noted that there were individuals within Parliament who were dissatisfied with the direction of their activism, contrasting it with the public’s demand for accountability and improved services, which they also supported through paying taxes.
Ssentongo questioned the legality and ethicality of Parliament and the UCC having such intrusive powers over the people they were supposed to represent and serve. He acknowledged that while these concerns might not be immediately consequential, they would have significance in the future, even if he was no longer present to witness it.
“It is unfortunate that this is how they respond to public demands for them to account to taxpayers/ citizens, whom they purport to represent,” he said. “How we got to this level of impunity and abuse of citizens and how we get out of it should concern us all – regardless of political affiliation. The system we’ve built is not sustainable and not safe for any of us and our children, including those currently benefitting from it. You are riding a tiger and are thrilled by its speed, but it will eat you too.”
Adding that: “If you choose, shoot and feel good. It doesn’t require many bullets to stop a heart. UCC, help them hold the gun. Much of what I wanted to do here, I suppose I have done it. And I’m consoled by the natural assurance that many more will always pick the baton and do much more. No human can stop time.”
Makerere University, where Ssentongo teaches, has issued a statement online stating that the anti-corruption advocacy he conducts as part of his academic responsibilities and as an intellectual is considered a matter of academic freedom. The university calls on the authorities to ensure his protection from any threats to his life and freedom. Furthermore, the statement references the grave human rights violations occurring in the country and highlights recent instances of enforced disappearances, murders, and attempted assassinations.
