Global Cartoonists Organisations Slam KIU Over Threats to Spire’s Freedom of Expression

What the report says

Three international cartooning and free-expression groups have criticised Kampala International University over its legal dispute with academic and cartoonist Dr Jimmy Spire Ssentongo, saying the case raises concerns about freedom of expression in Uganda and could harm the university’s reputation. The organisations named in the Nile Post report are Cartooning for Peace, Cartoonists Rights and the Freedom Cartoonists Foundation. In a statement dated August 20, they said they were deeply concerned about the proceedings and said they would keep monitoring the case.

According to the report, KIU sued Ssentongo over social media posts and cartoons that drew on complaints from internet users and others about the university. The concerns cited in the statement included late fees, staff social security issues, alleged tax fraud, student silencing and questions about education quality. Ssentongo has said his commentary reflects public complaints and matters of public interest, while KIU has argued that his posts were unsubstantiated and damaging.

The dispute has already produced court orders and penalties. The article says an interim injunction was issued in December 2025, and later contempt proceedings led to a June 18 ruling that fined Ssentongo and awarded KIU damages. His bid to pause enforcement was denied on August 6, but a public fundraising drive reportedly covered the amounts and avoided custody. Ssentongo has appealed his contempt conviction and the defamation case remains active. The intervention by the international groups could keep attention on both the legal fight and the wider debate over scrutiny of public institutions.