Campaigners have welcomed a court ruling in Kampala that will lead to the removal of British colonial monuments and the renaming of streets that honor colonial figures. The ruling acknowledges a five-year campaign aimed at promoting Uganda’s cultural identity. While many support this change, some argue for the preservation of historic names as reminders of the past.
Campaigners have expressed their approval of a recent court ruling aimed at removing British colonial monuments and renaming streets in Uganda’s capital, Kampala. This ruling, delivered by Justice Musa Ssekaana, mandates city authorities to replace names associated with British colonial figures. Significant figures targeted include Maj Gen Henry Edward Colville and Frederick Lugard, whose legacies are viewed negatively due to their roles in colonial oppression.
The decision is a result of a five-year campaign, initiated in 2020 when over 5,800 people signed a petition urging lawmakers to decolonise the city’s monuments and street names. Activist John Ssempebwa filed a lawsuit asserting that these names insult Ugandans by undermining their dignity and right to freedom from cruel treatment. The court’s directive will lead to new names for roads and parks that better reflect the nation’s cultural heritage.
Apollo Makubuya, a prominent lawyer and campaign leader, hailed the ruling as a major stride towards addressing historical injustices and promoting human dignity. He stated the importance of renouncing the legacy of colonialism while embracing names that represent Uganda’s independence and cultural identity. Similarly, Kampala’s lord mayor, Erias Lukwago, acknowledged the ruling as overdue but expressed disappointment in the lack of a more comprehensive judgment
Conversely, human rights lawyer Nicholas Opiyo critiqued the ruling as a merely symbolic act devoid of substantive change. He advocates for retaining the current names as reminders of Uganda’s past, arguing that erasing these historical markers would offer an incomplete and selective narrative of Uganda’s history. According to Opiyo, true progress necessitates acknowledging all facets of history, including the colonial era, rather than attempting to rewrite it.
In conclusion, the court ruling in Kampala is a pivotal moment for those advocating for the recognition of Uganda’s cultural identity by dismantling colonial remnants. While many campaigners celebrate the decision as a step towards justice, others caution against forgetting the painful history associated with colonialism. The ongoing dialogues highlight the complexities of reconciling cultural heritage with a past marred by exploitation.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
