Court Ruling to “Decolonise” Kampala Sparks New Urban Planning Debate

Kampala Uganda.
Urban campaigners are celebrating a High Court ruling ordering Kampala City Authority to rename select streets and monuments linked to colonial figures. The ruling, hailed as “a victory for cultural dignity,” came after years of petitions led by heritage groups and activists.

Monuments of colonial administrators are now set for review, while city planners are consulting historians and local leaders to replace names with indigenous ones celebrating Ugandan heroes, artists, and historical sites.

“Our city’s identity must reflect who we are — not who ruled us,” said activist and historian Brenda Namirembe, who led the petition.

What’s Changing:

Key roads like Queen’s Way and Lugard Avenue may get new names by early 2026.

Schools and public parks are being reviewed for similar renaming.

KCCA says it will involve Buganda Kingdom cultural institutions in the process.

Public Reaction:
While many urban youths praise the decision, some older residents call for a balanced approach to avoid erasing history entirely.