Today, over 5,000 people have signed a Petition started on Uganda’s Heroes Day 9 June 2020 calling for the removal of symbols, street names monuments and other colonial relics (iconography) that represent a nefarious legacy of colonial conquest, occupation, exploitation and impunity. This is a historic moment in the struggle for decolonisation in Uganda.
 
The petitioners are united in their belief that the continued public displays of colonial iconography which glorifies individuals responsible for the brutalization, subjugation and humiliation of colonised peoples in Uganda (and elsewhere) is a slap in the face of the many brave people that fought for the political independence of Africa from the 15thCentury until the late 1950s. It is doubly painful for others that continue to fight for the socio-economic independence of the African continent from neo-imperial subjugation and the indignity and injustice that comes with it.
 
Colonial iconography not only offends fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals and groups from cruel inhuman and degrading treatment but reinforces and celebrates a culture of colonial supremacy, domination and impunity. The removal of these ominous vestiges is long overdue.
 
We are encouraged both by the strong and determined movement in many other parts of the world, especially the USA and the UK, to challenge an order that has been advantaged by racist systems built on the back of slavery, colonialism and racism.  And we have now seen the positive actions of some governments, cities and Universities to acknowledge, review and redress a legacy of racism, discrimination and a grim imperialist past.
 
In this context, and aware that public symbols and icons ought to celebrate virtue and not vice,  we call upon the Government of Uganda and all relevant local authorities to take urgent measures to: 
 
(i)            Remove street names and monuments that celebrate and immortalise colonial subjugators such as Brigadier General Trevor Ternan, Lord Frederick Lugard, Major General Henry Colville, Commissioner Harry George Galt and the Kings African Rifles who were notorious in their inhumane and degrading treatment of the colonized peoples in the Uganda Protectorate.
 
(ii)          Historify such iconography by placing it in the Uganda Museum, with appropriate labelling so that current and future generations can learn about the true stories behind these figures.
 
(iii)         Make comprehensive policies and laws to streamline the naming or re-naming, of geographical features, streets and public places by a representative body of eminent Ugandan’s— in a manner that addresses the legacy of colonialism and oppression. Such policies should promote deserving national heroes and heroines as well as contribute to national healing, harmony, heritage and the respect for the protection of human rights and dignity.
 
(iv)         Revisit the school curriculum, content and methodologies on Uganda’s struggle against colonial rule and meaning of Independence to ensure that the history of the country is taught in its entirety rather than that which glorifies the colonial order and demeans those that resisted it in any form or were subjugated by it.
 
(v)           Encourage and support further research and publications into the history of the creation of Uganda and British colonial rule in Uganda. This would support the work of the United Nations Council for Human rights (OHCHR) in its efforts to seek accountability and redress for victims following decades of colonial oppression and exploitation.
 
It would be remiss to suggest that removing offending colonial iconography from public display means that decolonisation has been achieved. However, it would be an important step in the continuing struggle against decolonisation of mind and matter in Uganda. We are aware that there are many concerns including on the procedures and responsibility for renaming. These will be some of the challenges to be addressed with the authorities which we believe are surmountable.
 
While the Petition will remain open for additional signatures, we consider that the present endorsements are representative and sufficient for a submission to be made to H. E the President, the Hon. Speaker of Parliament and the leadership of Kampala City Council. In due course we shall announce representatives of the Petitioners to make the submissions as well as the date for the presentation. Outcomes of the submissions will be announced.
 
Chinua Achebe teaches us “when we are comfortable and inattentive, we run the risk of committing grave injustices absentmindedly”and that “until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”  
 
We pay tribute to all those who have the belief and have signed and supported this important process.
 
Apollo N. Makubuya.
[For the Petitioners]