There is growing frustration among Ugandan activists following the exposure of their leaders as the true definition of vices like corruption, fraud, and unethical behavior, which is exactly what they purport to be fighting against.
Barely a week after the flopped ‘March to Parliament’ organizers exposed activist Agather Atuhaire and her NGO Agora for swindling over USD 1 million meant to fund the protest, another prominent activist, Jimmy Spire Ssentongo, has come under scrutiny over fraudulent behavior.
Cartoonist Spire is alleged to have received funds to carry out anti-corruption and mismanagement exhibitions but has deliberately refused to provide accountability.
Spire, who had built a reputation as a stalwart defender of transparency, was reportedly being paid by foreign entities to conduct various accountability exhibitions and projects with the intent to undermine the Kampala regime.
These initiatives were designed to promote ethical practices and ensure proper use of funds within both government and non-governmental organizations. However, his colleagues have brought it to light that Ssentongo has been misappropriating these funds for personal gain.
Several activists familiar with the situation allege that Ssentongo diverted the money meant for his colleagues and project activities into his own pockets.
“Despite the substantial amounts of money allocated for these projects, there are no records indicating that Ssentongo distributed any funds to his team members or used them for their intended purposes,” Aaron Mukwaya, a renowned activist, remarked.
This lack of financial transparency and accountability has raised serious concerns among his fellows and his followers.
When questioned about these allegations and the apparent lack of financial transparency, Ssentongo reportedly responded by blocking individuals who sought answers. This reaction has only fueled suspicions and led to a growing call for further scrutiny. The pattern of blocking critics and avoiding questions stands in stark contrast to his public stance on openness and accountability.
Moreover, Ssentongo’s approach to dealing with criticism has been criticized as an attempt to evade responsibility rather than addressing the concerns directly.
However, the revelations are only a surprise to those who barely know him. But those who know him closely tell of his struggle with alcoholism despite holding a Ph.D., which has significantly impacted his professional life.
Reports indicate that Ssentongo’s alcoholism has led to missed opportunities and professional setbacks and has allegedly impaired his judgment and performance, contributing to the mismanagement of funds.
The case of Spire Ssentongo is a stark reminder of the complexities and contradictions surrounding the realm of activism and public accountability. While he once stood as a beacon of integrity and transparency, the recent revelations have exposed a disturbing reality of fraud, mismanagement, and personal failings.
