Kampala International University (KIU) has taken Makerere University lecturer and social commentator Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo to court, accusing him of defamation and publishing “injurious information” about the institution on social media.
According to court documents filed in the High Court of Uganda (Civil Division), KIU — represented by Lwere, Lwanyaga & Co. Advocates — claims that Dr. Ssentongo’s online posts contained “false and damaging” allegations that tarnished the university’s reputation. The university seeks a permanent injunction, punitive and general damages, and costs of the suit.
In an interim order issued on November 6, 2025, His Worship Kintu Simon Zirintusa granted KIU a temporary injunction restraining Dr. Ssentongo or anyone acting under his instruction from posting, publishing, or circulating any new information deemed harmful to the university’s name.
The ruling states:
“An interim order of injunction is issued restraining the Respondent and/or any person acting on his instruction from continuing to post, publish, distribute and/or circulate in the print and/or social media any new and fresh information and messages injurious and/or damaging to the name and reputation of Kampala International University (KIU).”
The order will remain in force until the main application for a temporary injunction is heard on December 16, 2025.
Dr. Ssentongo Responds
In response to the court action, Dr. Ssentongo, a Makerere University academic known for his activism and satirical commentary, confirmed the injunction on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
He wrote:
“This is going to be a really interesting one, and maybe it’s what we needed — in full light! At supersonic speed, I see that an interim court injunction AGAINST MY SPEECH has already been secured, without serving or hearing me!”
The outspoken scholar added that he was gathering more evidence from students and the public to support his case, urging citizens to defend their “freedom and online space.”
“So, please send me more evidence to prove that we are not simply damaging their VERY GOOD NAME. Together we can defend our freedoms and space to speak for those without voice,” he wrote.
Background
The dispute stems from a series of online posts in which Dr. Ssentongo reportedly shared complaints from KIU students about alleged administrative and academic grievances. The university contends that these posts were defamatory and published without verification or due process.
The case has sparked wide debate online, with many Ugandans weighing in on the balance between freedom of expression and institutional reputation.
The matter is pending further hearing before the High Court’s Civil Division, as both sides prepare for what could become one of Uganda’s most closely watched digital defamation cases.
