Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | In a powerful and thought-provoking open letter addressed to President Yoweri Museveni, Ugandan academic, cartoonist and veteran human rights defender Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo has sharply criticized the President’s recent actions concerning the imprisonment of young activists and the perceived protection of corrupt officials.
Mr. Ssentongo’s letter, posted on X (formerly Twitter), underscores a deep sense of betrayal and disappointment in the face of what he describes as a troubling defense of corruption by the aging leader.
Mr. Ssentongo begins his letter with a poignant reference to a Baganda proverb, “ne gwozadde, akukubira engoma n’ozima” (even your child can drum for you and you dance), symbolically positioning himself as a voice of truth and accountability that President Museveni should heed.
He challenges the President to reflect on whether he ever imagined a time when, at 80 years old, he would find himself imprisoning young people for merely demanding justice and accountability for stolen public funds.
The letter highlights Mr. Ssentongo’s personal disillusionment with the President, contrasting his past admiration for Mr. Museveni with the current reality of what he sees as a betrayal of the principles of justice and integrity.
He questions how the President reconciles his actions with the example he is setting for the youth and the broader implications for the moral fabric of society.
Mr. Ssentongo also questions President Museveni’s motivations, sarcastically referencing the President’s stated intention to work for “heaven” in his remaining years. He contrasts this with a Biblical passage, Matthew 25:40, humorously suggesting that Museveni’s protection of thieves might somehow earn him divine favor—a critique that underscores the gravity of his concerns about corruption and governance.
The veteran human rights defender reflects on the nature of old age and the respect typically associated with elder statesmen, contrasting it with what he perceives as Mr. Museveni’s shameful defense of corruption. He urges the president to engage in a serious self-reflection and consider the legacy he is leaving behind.
In closing, Mr. Ssentongo’s letter expresses a heartfelt plea for integrity and justice, emphasizing his own sense of disbelief at the president’s actions. The letter serves as both a personal lament and a broader call for accountability, resonating with many who share concerns about governance and corruption in Uganda.
Also Read: Jim Spire ‘fears for life’ after exposing corruption in Uganda’s Parliament
This candid and emotional letter encapsulates the frustrations of many Ugandans who are witnessing what they view as a moral and political decline under Museveni’s leadership, highlighting a critical moment in the ongoing discourse about governance and integrity in the country.
Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo letter
The full letter can be read below:
LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT
Baganda say that ‘ne gwozadde, akukubira engoma n’ozima’ (even your child can drum for you and you dance). I am here to drum for you Mr. President, and I hope you dance.
Mr. @KagutaMuseveni, did you ever anticipate that a time would come in your life when, at age 80, you would imprison children in their 20s for asking you to address theft of their money?
Did you ever imagine that a time would come when you would have to find something to accuse young children of so that you jail them in order to keep thieves safe and happy?
My primary school books are full of pictures of you, which I drew in reverence and awe at your personality and patriotic composure. I did not ever imagine, that I would grow into an old man, to watch you become a proud patron of thieves and a persecutor of those against thieves.
As an African elder, do you care what example you are setting to young people as you pull out all force to defend thieves in broad day light?
Do you get surprised or bothered when young people start denouncing you, that they are not your bazzukulu?
You said that now you are working for heaven in the time you are left with, I hope that this violent defence of people stealing from the underprivileged wins you a hug from Jesus. Matthew 25:40 says that “protect my dear thieves, and I will reward you 100 fold”.
As I grow, I realise everyday that age is humbling and sobering. But I have failed to understand what old age is doing to you Mr. President. Defence of thieves looks very ugly on an elder. And, may I not grow to be seen as an old man staggering in chasing my grandchildren around with a big stick, for standing up to defend the right thing – Claiming that they are being spoilt by neighbours! Mr. President, you need to have a candid conversation with your conscience. Thank you.
Yours in disbelief,
Jimmy Spire Ssentongo
