In a candid and heartfelt letter, the Philosophy teacher and cartoonist Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo has openly criticized President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, urging him to reflect on his governance and the example he sets for future generations.
The letter, marked by a tone of disappointment and concern, questions President Museveni’s current actions and their implications on the country’s moral fabric.
The professor begins with a poignant Baganda proverb, “ne gwozadde, akukubira engoma n’ozima,” which translates to “even your child can drum for you and you dance,” signifying the duty of citizens to hold their leaders accountable. The professor hopes that by drumming the truth, President Museveni will recognize the gravity of the issues at hand and take corrective action.
Addressing the President directly, Dr Spire asks, “Mr Kaguta Museveni, did you ever anticipate that a time would come in your life when, at age 80, you would imprison children in their 20s for asking you to address the theft of their money?” This question highlights the stark contrast between the President’s earlier years, marked by a revered personality and patriotic composure, and the current state where young citizens face imprisonment for seeking justice against corruption.
The letter continues with a reflection on the doctor’s own childhood memories, filled with reverence for President Museveni, which have now turned into disillusionment. “My primary school books are full of pictures of you, which I drew in reverence and awe at your personality and patriotic composure. I did not ever imagine that I would grow into an old man, to watch you become a proud patron of thieves and a persecutor of those against thieves.”
He further questions the moral example being set by President Museveni as an African elder. “As an African elder, do you care what example you are setting to young people as you pull out all force to defend thieves in broad daylight?” The professor points out the disconnection between the President’s actions and the expectations of the youth, who are increasingly denouncing their association with him.
In a strikingly ironic tone, Dr Spire refers to the President’s own declaration of working for heaven in his remaining years. “You said that now you are working for heaven in the time you are left with. I hope that this violent defence of people stealing from the underprivileged wins you a hug from Jesus. Matthew 25:40 says ‘Protect my dear thieves, and I will reward you 100 fold.’”
The letter concludes with a personal reflection on the impact of age and the hope that President Museveni will have a candid conversation with his conscience. “As I grow, I realise every day that age is humbling and sobering. But I have failed to understand what old age is doing to you, Mr President. The defence of thieves looks very ugly on an elder.”
The professor’s letter is a powerful call for President Museveni to re-evaluate his legacy and the values he upholds. It serves as a reminder that true leadership is measured not by the protection of power, but by the commitment to justice and the welfare of all citizens.
As the nation waits for a response, Dr Spire’s words echo the sentiments of many Ugandans who yearn for a return to integrity and accountability in their leadership.
Meanwhile here is the full letter.
Baganda say that ‘ne gwozadde, akukubira engoma n’ozima’ (even your child can drum for you and you dance). I am here to drum for you Mr President, and I hope you dance.
Mr Kaguta Museveni, did you ever anticipate that a time would come in your life when, at age 80, you would imprison children in their 20s for asking you to address theft of their money?
Did you ever imagine that a time would come when you would have to find something to accuse young children of so that you jail them in order to keep thieves safe and happy?
My primary school books are full of pictures of you, which I drew in reverence and awe at your personality and patriotic composure. I did not ever imagine, that I would grow into an old man, to watch you become a proud patron of thieves and a persecutor of those against thieves.
As an African elder, do you care what example you are setting to young people as you pull out all force to defend thieves in broad daylight?
Do you get surprised or bothered when young people start denouncing you, that they are not your bazzukulu?
You said that now you are working for heaven in the time you are left with, I hope that this violent defence of people stealing from the underprivileged wins you a hug from Jesus. Matthew 25:40 says that “protect my dear thieves, and I will reward you 100 fold”.
As I grow, I realise every day that age is humbling and sobering. But I have failed to understand what old age is doing to you Mr President. Defence of thieves looks very ugly on an elder. And, may I not grow to be seen as an old man staggering in chasing my grandchildren around with a big stick, for standing up to defend the right thing – Claiming that they are being spoilt by neighbours! Mr President, you need to have a candid conversation with your conscience. Thank you.
Yours in disbelief,
Jimmy Spire Ssentongo
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