By Aggrey Baba
In the land of justice, a judge’s robe should be as clean as their conscience. But when the scales tilt, the public will always ask questions.
Renowned cartoonist and activist, Dr. Spire Ssentongo has strongly responded to Justice Douglas Singiza’s ruling, in which he not only rejected Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale’s habeas corpus application but also complained about public criticism and satirical cartoons directed at him.
Dr. Besigye, a veteran opposition figure, appeared weak in court, last week, prompting his lawyers to argue for his immediate release due to the recent supreme court’s ruling and his deteriorating health.
However, Justice Singiza ruled otherwise, insisting that Besigye should return to prison. This decision has sparked widespread public outrage, especially given past incidents where tortured political detainees, like novelist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, were denied timely medical attention.
Justice Singiza, in his ruling, expressed concern over personal attacks, threats, and satirical cartoons portraying him as biased or under the influence of powerful individuals. He particularly took issue with a drawing that likened him to a Nazi judge, calling it defamatory and prejudiced.
Reacting to this, Dr. Spire Ssentongo, a leading cartoonist known for his sharp political illustrations, did not mince words. “A judge must not only be just but also be seen to be just,” he remarked. “If you say a sick man should go back to prison instead of getting treatment, how do you expect the public to react? Justice is like fire, it gives warmth when fair, but burns when mishandled.”
Spire argued that public perception is shaped by judicial decisions, not just by social media commentary. “If your actions remind people of injustice, they will draw what they see. Instead of telling the public to check itself, maybe you should check yourself first,” he added.
As the debate rages on, one thing remains clear, that when the river of justice stops flowing fairly, the people will always find ways to make their voices heard, be it through words, protests, or even cartoons. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
