Political commentator Jim Spire Ssentongo has criticised the resources spent pursuing activist Aloikin Praise Opoloje’s criminal case, arguing that the proceedings reflect misplaced priorities at a time when the country faces pressing national development challenges.
In a statement following Praise’s bail hearing at the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, October 14, Ssentongo questioned why state agencies had devoted significant time and public resources to a case involving the alleged use of a SIM card registered in another person’s name.
He argued that the resources could have been directed towards more productive activities, including addressing the backlog of cases in Uganda’s courts and tackling issues affecting citizens.
“Let’s look at the time and resources wasted by soldiers tracking her before they abducted her,” Ssentongo said, questioning the involvement of security personnel in the events leading to Praise’s arrest.
He also criticised the police for investigating and pursuing what he described as a flimsy case, arguing that the prosecution had diverted attention from more pressing criminal matters.
Ssentongo further pointed to the burden placed on the judiciary, saying the hearing had consumed valuable court time that could have been used to address the backlog of cases awaiting determination.
He also cited the cost of keeping Praise in Luzira Prison for more than two weeks, noting that detention contributes to congestion and increases the resources required to manage correctional facilities.
The commentator said the case had also drawn lawyers, prosecutors, activists and members of the public to court, while many Ugandans had spent time campaigning for the activist’s release.
He questioned whether the government adequately considered the financial and social costs of pursuing cases involving individuals who criticise powerful people.
“If every time an offended important person will have to resort to this, how much more taxpayers’ money and productive time shall we waste?” he asked.
Praise was arrested in late September and charged with unlawfully using a mobile SIM card registered in another person’s name. Prosecutors alleged that the card had been used to carry out illegal activities, including in connection with social media content. She denied the charge.
The court granted her bail on October 14, ordering her to surrender her passport and obtain judicial permission before travelling outside Uganda. Her case was scheduled for mention on November 19.
Ssentongo warned that cases he considers questionable, alongside reports of abductions and torture, were increasingly distracting Ugandans from discussions about national development.
He also argued that fear of repercussions was discouraging knowledgeable citizens from speaking critically about public affairs.
“Can a country grow under such conditions?” he asked, calling for greater attention to accountability, constructive debate and the responsible use of public resources.