Human rights defenders and activists have launched a public fundraising drive to help academic, cartoonist and activist Dr Jimmy Spire Ssentongo raise Shs30 million following a High Court contempt ruling linked to his legal dispute with Kampala International University (KIU).
The campaign is expected to formally begin on Monday, with organisers calling on members of the public to contribute towards the financial obligations imposed on Ssentongo by the High Court.
Under the ruling, Ssentongo was ordered to pay a Shs10 million fine for contempt of court and Shs20 million to Kampala International University in punitive and exemplary damages, in addition to costs arising from the application.
The court further directed that Ssentongo could be committed to civil prison for three months if he fails to pay the Shs10 million fine within 14 days.
The ruling was delivered on June 18, 2026, by High Court Civil Division Registrar Simon Kintu Zirintusa in Miscellaneous Application No. 0221 of 2026.
Dispute Between Spire and KIU
The case is part of a wider legal dispute between Ssentongo and Kampala International University over statements he published concerning the institution.
In December 2025, the court issued an order restraining Ssentongo from continuing to publish information that KIU alleged was unsubstantiated and damaging to its reputation.
KIU later accused Ssentongo of continuing to publish material despite the court order and sought penalties against him.
The university had reportedly asked the court to award significantly higher amounts, including Shs1 billion in punitive and exemplary damages and a Shs200 million fine.
The court instead imposed a Shs10 million contempt fine and awarded KIU Shs20 million in punitive and exemplary damages.
In its decision, the court found that Ssentongo was aware of the earlier order and had an obligation to comply with it despite challenging it through an appeal.
“I therefore find that the Respondent had the ability to comply and he failed to comply,” the ruling stated.
Activists Turn to Public Fundraising
Following the decision, activists and human rights defenders have mobilised to help Ssentongo meet the financial obligations.
Supporters argue that the dispute raises wider concerns about freedom of expression, criticism of influential institutions and the ability of citizens to speak publicly about matters they consider to be in the public interest.
Human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza is among those supporting the fundraising effort.
“Courts can fine him. But we shouldn’t allow them to silence Spire,” Kiiza said.
Organisers say their immediate concern is helping Ssentongo meet the court-imposed financial obligations, particularly the Shs10 million fine attached to the possibility of civil imprisonment.
They are also using the campaign to encourage a wider public discussion about the relationship between freedom of expression, institutional reputation and compliance with court orders.
Who Is Dr Jimmy Spire Ssentongo?
Dr Jimmy Spire Ssentongo is an academic, author, columnist, editorial cartoonist and human rights activist.
He is widely known in Uganda for his social commentary and campaigns focusing on governance, corruption, public service delivery and accountability.
His online campaigns and commentary have frequently attracted public attention and encouraged Ugandans to share experiences involving public institutions and other organisations.
In the dispute with KIU, Ssentongo has maintained that his publications deal with matters of public interest and are informed by complaints and communications he receives from students, former employees and members of the public.
KIU, however, has accused him of publishing material that damages the university's reputation, resulting in the continuing legal battle.
Fundraiser Sparks Wider Free-Speech Debate
Beyond raising money, campaign organisers say the case presents broader questions about how institutions respond to public criticism.
Supporters of Ssentongo fear that heavy financial penalties arising from public commentary could discourage individuals from raising concerns about influential institutions.
At the same time, the case highlights the legal obligation to comply with court orders unless they are suspended, varied or overturned through the appropriate legal process.
Questions have also been raised by some legal practitioners about the jurisdiction and powers of registrars in proceedings of this nature. Such questions would, however, have to be resolved through the appropriate legal process and should not be interpreted as an established finding against either the court or the registrar.
For campaign organisers, the immediate focus remains raising enough money to help Ssentongo meet the court-imposed obligations.
They say the campaign represents more than financial assistance to one individual. They hope it will also encourage discussion about public accountability, institutional criticism and the limits and protections surrounding freedom of expression in Uganda.
