After a week of protests in Kampala, Uganda, where police arrested over 70 young demonstrators known as Gen Z, Professor Jimmy Spire Sentongo, a well-known cartoonist and activist, has addressed a profound letter to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
In his letter, Spire urges the President to reflect on the government’s response to the protests. The full letter, which Spire shared on his Twitter account, includes a Baganda proverb: ‘ne gwozadde, akukubira engoma n’ozina’ (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 think that at 80 years old, you would be imprisoning young people in their 20s simply for asking you to address the theft of their money?
Did you ever imagine you would find ways to accuse these young individuals just to keep thieves protected and content?
My primary school books are filled with drawings of you, done in admiration and respect for your character and patriotic spirit. I never thought I would grow old only to see you become a defender of thieves and an oppressor of those who stand against them.
As an elder, are you concerned about the example you are setting for the youth while you actively protect thieves in broad daylight?
Are you surprised or troubled when young people start distancing themselves from you, declaring that they are not your ‘bazzukulu’ (grandchildren)?
You mentioned that you are now working for heaven with the time you have left.”