Ugandans Rally Behind Dr. Spire, Raising Shs 24 Million in Hours for Court Fine

Ugandans have demonstrated immense generosity and swift action by raising over Shs 24 million within a single day to support Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo. The funds are intended to cover a Shs 30 million fine imposed by the Kampala High Court for contempt of court.

Dr. Ssentongo, also known as Spire, a respected cartoonist, philosophy lecturer, and columnist for The Observer, was ordered to pay the fine or face three months in civil prison. The contempt charge stemmed from a social media post concerning Kampala International University (KIU).

This fine is linked to Dr. Ssentongo’s prior campaign highlighting concerns over KIU’s refund and admission policies. He had publicly sought to recover funds on behalf of children of his late brother, a campaign that also resonated with others sharing grievances about the university.

KIU pursued legal action, leading to the contempt proceedings against Dr. Ssentongo. The overwhelming and rapid public response to the fundraising appeal, primarily through social media platforms like X, has astonished many, including Dr. Ssentongo himself, who expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support.

The formal fundraising drive was announced by lawyer Eron Kiiza, who has also faced legal challenges, including previous contempt proceedings and a jail sentence related to his activism.

https://observer.ug/news/ugandans-raise-shs-24m-for-dr-spire-in-24-hours