Activist Spire Honoured with Global Anti-Corruption Award

Dr Ssentongo, popularly known by his pen name Spire, was recognised for his exceptional efforts in promoting transparency and accountability.

The US Department of State has recognised Ugandan scholar and human rights defender Jimmy Spire Ssentongo among 10 Global Anti-Corruption Champions.

Dr Ssentongo, popularly known by his pen name Spire, was recognised for his exceptional efforts in promoting transparency and accountability.

The recognition comes as the world marked the International Anti-Corruption Day,

Dr Ssentongo, a satirist and editorial cartoonist with The Observer cum lecturer, is renowned for his unwavering dedication to fighting corruption and advocating for good governance.

He has become a key figure in Uganda's anti-corruption movement, using his social media platform to critique corruption and misgovernance.

He expressed his gratitude for the recognition in a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle: “Thanks to the US Department of State for recognising me with the Global Human Rights Champions Award 2024, as one of the 10 recipients from various countries, and one of the 2 from Africa,” he wrote.

Reflecting on the significance of the award, Dr Ssentongo acknowledged the collective efforts of many others in the ongoing fight against corruption.

“It’s a humbling recognition, knowing that, while I have tried to play my humble part in fighting corruption and bad governance, there are many other people doing a lot towards the same cause and with big existential sacrifices,” he said.

The award highlights individuals who exhibit extraordinary courage in combating corruption, often at great personal risk.

Dr Ssentongo's work, particularly through his art and writings, has inspired many. His creative and powerful cartoons amplify the voices of marginalized communities, calling for justice and fairness in governance.

The award is another major milestone for Agora, a civic non-profit organisation that Dr Ssentongo works with, after Ms Agather Atuhaire's earlier this year won the State Department's International Women of Courage Award.

The US Department of State also honoured other global anti-corruption champions, including Mr Marr Nyang of South Sudan, alongside eight other individuals from around the world.

In a statement, the Department reiterated its commitment to supporting anti-corruption initiatives, emphasizing their vital role in fostering prosperity and justice.

Dr Ssentongo has been at the forefront of several online campaigns, such as the Kampala City Potholes Exhibition, which drew attention to the poor state of roads in Uganda's capital, and the Parliament of Uganda Exhibition, which led to a major shake-up in the Parliamentary buildings.

His work uncovered a Shs1.2 billion scandal involving four parliamentary commissioners, including the then Leader of Opposition, Mathias Mpuuga, eventually leading to a fallout with his party, the National Unity Platform.

Throughout his career, Dr Ssentongo has remained vocal on anti-corruption and bad governance issues through his online content, including cartoons and social media posts.

“The recognitions with all these awards are encouraging, and they mean a lot in this generally tough undertaking,” Dr Ssentongo said.

“But we must do what we can, with or without the recognitions or appreciation—our convictions, principles, and dreams being the primary driver.”

As Uganda celebrates this international recognition, Dr Ssentongo remains steadfast in his vision for a more inclusive and transparent nation.

His recognition serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that individual and collective action can have in the fight against corruption.