Why Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo Is in Court: The Dispute With KIU Explained

Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo, a Ugandan academic, cartoonist and social activist, is at the centre of a high-profile legal dispute with Kampala International University (KIU), which has resulted in the High Court ordering him to pay Shs 30 million in fines and damages, alongside legal costs.

How the Dispute Started

The dispute dates back to late 2025, when Dr. Ssentongo used his X account to amplify complaints from students and staff of KIU.

Among the concerns raised were allegations of excessive late-payment penalties, unaccredited academic programmes, failure to remit National Social Security Fund (NSSF) contributions for workers, staff shortages and poor working conditions.

KIU subsequently sued Ssentongo for defamation. On November 12, 2025, the High Court issued an interim injunction restraining him from publishing further content deemed critical or damaging to the university.

The Post That Led to the Contempt Case

The dispute escalated on March 18, 2026, when Ssentongo published a post concerning a personal grievance involving his late brother’s sons and tuition payments made to KIU.

He alleged that the students had paid Shs 15.57 million in tuition before changing universities. According to his account, KIU administrators agreed to transfer the funds to two other students, but the university system allegedly failed to reflect the changes, forcing the students to make additional payments to avoid missing examinations.

In the post, Ssentongo accused the university of acting with “impunity and meanness.”

KIU returned to court, arguing that the post breached the existing injunction.

What the Court Decided

On June 18, 2026, High Court Civil Division Registrar Kintu Simon Zirintusa found Ssentongo in contempt of court.

The court noted that challenging or appealing an injunction does not, by itself, suspend its operation. A formal stay order must be obtained before a party can act contrary to the injunction.

The court ordered Ssentongo to:

• Pay Shs 10 million as a fine for contempt of court, within 14 days, or face three months in civil prison.
• Pay KIU Shs 20 million in punitive and exemplary damages.
• Meet the legal costs arising from the application.

This brought the financial penalties and damages to Shs 30 million, excluding legal costs.

Public Fundraising Campaign

The ruling has triggered a public fundraising campaign to support Ssentongo in meeting the court-ordered payments.

Human rights defenders, activists and members of the public have described the case as an important test of freedom of expression and public accountability, with some characterising KIU’s legal action as a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP).

As of the latest fundraising update, Ugandans had contributed Shs 24 million within 24 hours toward the Shs 30 million required.