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