Ugandan cartoonist Jim Spire Ssentongo launched a movement by encouraging people to post photos of potholes in the capital city of Kampala. This led to a series of online exhibitions highlighting various social issues in Uganda such as hospital conditions, corruption, and human rights abuses. These online protests have gained momentum and have forced the government to take action on some of the issues raised.
Ssentongo’s background as a political cartoonist and his training in religious seminaries have driven his desire to see things done better in the country. His use of humor in the exhibitions has disarmed the government and allowed for more people to actively participate in the protests. Despite facing threats and smear campaigns, Ssentongo continues to push for accountability through his online campaigns.
The success of these digital protests in exposing nepotism and corruption has made the authorities worried about their impact. The online exhibitions, which have reached millions of people, have forced the government to address issues such as health worker shortages and misuse of public funds in the Parliament. This new form of activism in Uganda has become a powerful tool for holding the government accountable.
Social media has played a crucial role in enabling these protests to gain traction in Uganda, where traditional forms of protest are often restricted or shut down. The use of humor and satire in the exhibitions has made it difficult for the government to respond with violence. However, activists like Ssentongo and Atuhaire have faced threats and intimidation for their participation in these protests.
As the digital activism revolution grows in Uganda, activists like Ssentongo face uncertainty about their safety and future. Despite the risks, Ssentongo remains committed to his cause and continues to push for accountability and transparency in the government. While the success of these online protests is encouraging, Ssentongo hopes that they will complement, rather than replace, traditional forms of activism in Uganda.
