By Gertrude Kamya Othieno
Dear Readers
The recent Ugandan court ruling to remove colonial-era names and monuments presents a critical opportunity for reflection. Whose legacy should be preserved in our public spaces?
How do we balance historical memory with national identity? For decades, Uganda has maintained roads, schools, and landmarks named after British figures who shaped its past in complex ways. Some, like Reverend Alexander Mackay, influenced education and infrastructure, while others, like Captain Frederick Lugard, were direct agents of colonial conquest.
If we are serious about mindset change, a phrase often spoken about in Uganda but rarely given clear direction, then we must critically examine what our public spaces represent.
The Historical Roots of Colonial Names
The presence of European names in Uganda’s streets and institutions can be traced back to the colonial period, when missionaries, administrators, and explorers left an indelible mark on the country.
Mackay arrived in Buganda in 1878 as part of the Church Missionary Society, introducing literacy, printing, and vocational training.
He is credited with saving lives during the religious wars that led to the martyrdom of 45 Christian converts. Today, his name is immortalised in Mackay Road, Mackay Church in Nateete, and Mackay Memorial School. But can his contributions be separated from the broader colonial agenda?
Missionaries like Mackay were not mere bystanders; they helped prepare societies for European rule.
By introducing Western education and Christianity, they facilitated a shift in values that made colonial domination more acceptable. Even if Mackay did not wield a gun, his work contributed to the erosion of indigenous governance and belief systems. Does this mean his legacy should be erased, or should we recognise that history is complex?
The Case of Captain Lugard: A Colonial Enforcer
Unlike Mackay, whose influence was largely cultural, Captain Frederick Lugard was a direct instrument of colonial control.
As an agent of the British East Africa Company, he used military force to assert British dominance over Buganda and surrounding territories.
His divide-and-rule tactics fuelled conflicts, weakening local resistance to colonial rule. Roads such as Lugard Avenue in Entebbe bear his name, yet his primary contribution to Uganda was subjugation. Should we continue to honour such figures in our capital city?
*Whose History Do We Celebrate?*
Supporters of retaining colonial-era names argue that history should not be erased.
Human rights lawyer Nicholas Opiyo suggests that these names serve as reminders of Uganda’s past, much like scars, painful but reflective of where the country has been.
But if historical commemoration is truly the goal, then where in Britain do we find statues of African figures who contributed to its development?
African soldiers fought in both World Wars, and African labour was integral to Britain’s economy. Yet, even the installation of a Nelson Mandela statue in Westminster sparked controversy. If Britain sees no need to honour African contributions, why should Uganda continue to glorify its colonial past?*
Reclaiming Our Identity
Decolonization is not about rewriting history but about reclaiming agency over how history is told. It is about ensuring that future generations walk on roads named after Ugandan heroes rather than colonial agents.
Uganda is not short of national figures who shaped its destiny, yet their names remain absent from public spaces. If Mackay’s name is to remain, should it not be accompanied by recognition of indigenous leaders who resisted cultural erasure? If history is to be preserved, should it not be done in a way that acknowledges all perspectives?
As Uganda embarks on a process of mindset change, this debate is about more than just street names. It is about defining the values that shape our collective memory.
Do we continue to honour the legacy of those who facilitated colonial rule, or do we centre those who fought for Uganda’s self-determination?* The answer will shape not only our urban landscape but also our national consciousness.
Ciao,
The Author is a Critical Political Sociologist, Alumna – London School of Economics, affiliated with Global People’s Network (GPN) – A Sociocultural Movement. gkothieno@gmail.com
