Dr Jimmy Spire Ssentongo is a renowned cartoonist and writer (PHOTO/Courtesy)
KAMPALA, UGANDA – Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo, a lecturer at Makerere University and renowned political analyst, has shed light on why many Ugandans are happy with the sanctions imposed on Speaker Anita Among by the UK government.
In a recent article, Dr. Ssentongo argued that Ugandans are not sympathetic to the Speaker’s plight due to the government’s own failures and abuses of power. He stated that the government’s extravagance and neglect of its citizens’ basic needs have eroded its moral authority to warn against external oppression.
Dr. Ssentongo was responding to efforts by Chris Obore, a friend and political commentator, to downplay the impact of the sanctions and attack the “sanctioners” instead. Dr. Ssentongo warned that this approach would be difficult to sustain, given the widespread discontent among Ugandans with their leaders’ extravagance and neglect of their basic needs.
Dr. Ssentongo wrote, “When you choose to live in exploitative extravagance, as your labouring children struggle to get basics of life, what moral authority do you have to warn them about foreigners! When you block channels of internal redress for your children, would it surprise you when they celebrate a ‘foreigner’ beating you up in the public square?”
He emphasized that when leaders prioritize self-interest over serving their people, they lose trust and credibility. Dr. Ssentongo advised that the best way to fight imperialism is by first and foremost caring for one’s people, building their trust, and serving them.
The political analyst cautioned that the government’s dismissive attitude towards citizens’ concerns and its failure to address internal problems have led to a sense of hopelessness and disconnection. He warned that this may lead to Ugandans welcoming external help to address internal injustices.
Dr. Ssentongo’s analysis comes as the government faces mounting pressure from the international community over human rights abuses and corruption. The sanctions against Speaker Among have sparked debate about Uganda’s sovereignty and its relationship with foreign powers.
In his article, Dr. Ssentongo concluded, “You ‘work’ hard every day to keep us in backwardness, desperation, and dependence, and then remind us of how we achieved independence in 1962! So, fight on Mr. Obore. Assure those ‘imperialists’. But don’t be surprised when many of us don’t join you this time.”