The US Department of State has honored Ugandan scholar and human rights advocate Jimmy Spire Ssentongo as one of 10 Global Anti-Corruption Champions. Dr. Ssentongo, widely known by his pen name Spire, was recognized for his outstanding work in promoting transparency and accountability. The acknowledgment coincides with International Anti-Corruption Day.
Dr. Ssentongo, a satirist, editorial cartoonist with The Observer, and lecturer, is known for his dedicated efforts in the fight against corruption and for advocating good governance. He has become a prominent figure in Uganda’s anti-corruption movement, using his social media platform to expose corruption and misgovernance.
Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Ssentongo posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, “Thanks to the US Department of State for recognizing 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.” Reflecting on the award’s significance, he emphasized the collaborative efforts of many others working toward the same cause: “It’s a humbling recognition, knowing that while I have tried to play my part in fighting corruption, there are many others making greater sacrifices for the same cause.”
The award celebrates individuals who show exceptional courage in confronting corruption, often at significant personal risk. Dr. Ssentongo’s impactful art and writings have inspired many, amplifying the voices of marginalized groups and advocating for justice in governance.
This recognition is another milestone for Agora, the civic non-profit organization with which Dr. Ssentongo is associated, following Ms. Agather Atuhaire’s earlier win of the State Department’s International Women of Courage Award.
Other honorees included Marr Nyang of South Sudan and eight other global anti-corruption champions. The Department of State reiterated its commitment to supporting anti-corruption initiatives, noting their importance in promoting prosperity and justice.
Dr. Ssentongo has led several online campaigns, such as the Kampala City Potholes Exhibition, which drew attention to the deteriorating state of roads in Uganda’s capital, and the Parliament of Uganda Exhibition, which uncovered a Shs 1.2 billion corruption scandal involving parliamentary commissioners, including the then Leader of Opposition, Mathias Mpuuga. These revelations led to a fallout with his party, the National Unity Platform.
Throughout his career, Dr. Ssentongo has remained vocal on corruption and governance issues through his cartoons and social media.
He expressed that these recognitions are encouraging, but the fight must continue regardless of external validation: “We must do what we can, with or without the recognitions—our convictions and principles are the primary drivers.”
Dr. Ssentongo’s recognition underscores the profound impact that both individual and collective action can have in the ongoing battle against corruption.