The Ugandan civil society landscape has been rocked by a public disagreement between two activists Agatha Atuhaire and her lover, Anthony Natif. What began as a passionate relationship has devolved into a bitter exchange of accusations, shedding light on the complexities and contradictions within the realm of activism in Uganda.
Anthony Natif, known for his outspoken views on the Ugandan civil society, recently on X handle formerly known as twitter made waves with a scornful account of fellow activists.
He claimed that many civil society actors are merely “pocketing millions” while failing to deliver tangible results, according to Natif, these individuals indulge in lavish lifestyles, attending air-conditioned conferences and producing “expensive consultant-created Power Point presentations,” all while soliciting funds from well-meaning donors abroad.
“When a lot of Ugandan Civil Society actors combine to attack you, know you’re doing the right thing,” Natif stated, asserting that his criticisms are rooted in a desire for accountability and genuine impact.
However, Atuhaire quickly countered Natif’s claims, questioning his motives and the integrity of his actions. She pointed out the irony in his criticisms, suggesting that his own organization has struggled significantly since its inception.
“If I started an outfit and in less than a year of its existence it loses almost 10 of its members, I would stop burying my head in the sand,” Atuhaire responded, challenging Natif’s narrative of righteousness.
However, Atuhaire’s remarks took a more personal turn as she revealed the complexities of her relationship with Natif. Once an ally, she now accuses him of using his connections and status to manipulate others for personal gain.
“I had a personal relationship with Anthony Natif. It is the reason I decided to keep quiet for the last year. But after finding out how he is using his supposed connections in State House… I thought it is in the public interest to share what I know,” she disclosed.
This revelation adds a layer of intrigue to the ongoing saga, as it highlights the fine line between personal relationships and professional alliances in the world of activism.
Both Natif and Atuhaire have raised significant questions about the integrity of civil society in Uganda. Natif accused his peers of “selling sob stories” to garner sympathy and funding, while Atuhaire challenged his consistency, asking when he shifted from praising award-winning activists to criticizing them.
