NATIONAL
Kampala International University (KIU) has asked court to commit academic and rights campaigner Dr Ssentongo to civil prison for alleged contempt of court, escalating an ongoing legal dispute over his public commentary about the institution.
In an application before court, KIU is also seeking Shs1 billion in punitive damages and a further Shs200 million fine, arguing that Dr Ssentongo has continued to publish what it describes as “unsubstantiated” claims in violation of an existing court order.
The order, issued in December 2025, restrains Dr Ssentongo from publishing “any unsubstantiated information” deemed injurious to the university.
Disputed claims
Among the posts cited by the university is one in which Dr Ssentongo narrates a dispute involving tuition fees allegedly paid by his relatives. According to the account, the funds were intended to be transferred to other students following a change in plans, but the transfer reportedly did not materialise, forcing additional payments.
In a related post addressed to the university, Dr Ssentongo wrote: “No amount of suing is going to clean up your name in the public’s eyes when you continue to act with impunity… Address stakeholders’ concerns.”
KIU, however, characterises such statements as part of a “smear campaign” that risks damaging its reputation and operations.
In an affidavit, the university argues that the publications could lead to loss of students, staff and institutional credibility, warning of “irreparable injury” if the alleged conduct continues.
Defence and public interest argument
In his defence, Dr Ssentongo maintains that his posts are based on information shared by students, former staff and members of the public, raising concerns about governance and administration.
His legal team contends that the statements fall within the scope of public interest reporting, fair comment and honest opinion.
Legal analysts say the case raises broader questions about the boundary between criticism and defamation, and whether litigation can be used to deter scrutiny of public-facing institutions.
Court outlook
Court documents indicate that the matters raised are “triable”, meaning they remain contested and require full hearing and determination.
KIU’s move to seek civil imprisonment, substantial damages and expanded restrictions on publication signals a hardening legal stance in the dispute, which is expected to test the balance between reputational protection and freedom of expression.
