Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-20 16:28:00
Makerere University Academic Staff Association (Muasa) has strongly condemned the alleged threats on Dr Jim Spire Ssentongo’s life due to his outspoken stance against corruption and misuse of public funds. The threats surfaced during an ongoing exhibition on social media, where disturbing revelations about corruption and misuse of public funds at Parliament were being disclosed, with Dr Ssentongo at the forefront of this exhibition.
In a letter dated March 20, Muasa expressed grave concerns over these threats, especially considering recent incidents such as the detention of individuals without communication, the murder of Lwomwa Daniel Bbosa, the attempted assassination of General Katumba Wamala, and the tragic murder of his daughter. These events have heightened fears for the safety and security of individuals like Dr Ssentongo who bravely speak out against corruption and inefficiency in government institutions.
Muasa emphasized the importance of academic freedom, a fundamental right enshrined in Chapter four of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda. Dr Ssentongo’s advocacy against corruption and misuse of public funds is seen as part of his role as a Senior Lecturer at Makerere University and a public intellectual. The association stood firmly against any threats to his academic freedom and reiterated the need for all members of Muasa and academic staff in Uganda to be able to carry out their work without fear of harm.
The letter highlighted Article 29 (1) (b) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and belief, including academic freedom in educational institutions. It emphasized that Dr Ssentongo, like all members of Muasa, as well as academic staff in Uganda and globally, should be able to fulfill their responsibilities without facing threats or intimidation.
Muasa called upon the police and other security agencies to provide Dr Ssentongo with the necessary protection against these alleged threats. The association made it clear that an attack on Dr Ssentongo’s academic freedom is an attack on the academic freedom of all its members and academics worldwide. They demanded that the Inspector General of Police, Chairperson of the Joint Forces Command of Uganda, and other relevant authorities take immediate and effective measures to safeguard Dr Ssentongo from any potential harm to his life and work.
In conclusion, Muasa’s statement underlines the critical importance of defending academic freedom and ensuring the safety of individuals like Dr Ssentongo who courageously expose corruption and misuse of public funds. The association’s call for action serves as a reminder of the need to protect those who speak truth to power and advocate for transparency and accountability in governance.
Read the original article on Uganda Monitor
