A Ugandan court ruling mandates the removal of British colonial monuments and renaming of streets in Kampala. Celebrated by advocates as a significant step towards decolonization, the decision reflects a five-year campaign led by citizens and activists. However, it faces criticism from individuals who believe in preserving historical reminders of colonialism.
Campaigners in Uganda are celebrating a landmark ruling that mandates the removal of British colonial monuments and the renaming of streets in Kampala. This decision stems from a high court ruling delivered by Justice Musa Ssekaana, which instructs city authorities to erase the names of colonial figures from public spaces. Included among those slated for removal are Maj Gen Henry Edward Colville, an early Uganda protectorate commissioner, and Frederick Lugard, known for his cruel governance.
The new names will celebrate Uganda’s cultural heritage, marking a significant point in a five-year decolonization campaign. In 2020, citizens united in a petition, garnering over 5,800 signatures to advocate for the removal of statues and street names that commemorate colonial figures. Additionally, human rights activist John Ssempebwa initiated a lawsuit in 2022 asserting that these names infringe on the Ugandans’ rights to dignity and freedom.
Apollo Makubuya, a prominent lawyer and campaigner, emphasized the importance of this ruling, stating, “This ruling represents a significant step forward in the recognition of human dignity and the fight against colonial injustices.” He noted the necessity of moving beyond the legacy of colonial exploitation and adopting names that reflect Uganda’s identity.
While Kampala’s Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, expressed disappointment regarding the lack of a detailed judgment addressing Kenya’s colonial history, he acknowledged the ruling’s significance. He remarked, “I believe we can have our history, we can keep records, but not celebrate some crooks and historical figureheads that brutalised Ugandans.”
Conversely, human rights lawyer Nicholas Opiyo criticized the court’s decision, describing it as a “futile … symbolic” gesture. He believes that maintaining the original names serves as a reminder of past injustices, stating, “We cannot engage in a revisionist attempt to try to erase that history.” The ruling meets with mixed reactions as various voices weigh in on the implications of these historical changes.
The recent court ruling in Uganda represents a pivotal moment in the decolonization movement, aiming to eliminate colonial monuments and rename public spaces in Kampala. While advocates celebrate the recognition of human dignity and cultural identity, dissenting voices caution against erasing history. As the nation grapples with its colonial legacy, the decision ignites a broader discourse on how best to honor its past while forging a path for the future.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
