Recognise historical figures who promote the values of freedom, dignity, peace and justice, says Ugandan lawyer
Nairobi - Thousands of people have signed a petition calling for the East African nation to rename roads and landmarks that celebrate white power, joining a growing, global movement against racism.
Now a prominent Ugandan lawyer and writer has joined the worldwide push on monuments, winning the backing of some 5,000 people to review place names that honour British colonial rule.
Uganda gained independence from Britain in 1962, but countless roads, monuments, buildings and landmarks in the east African country still bear the name of British royals, army regiments and senior military officers, he said.
Makubuya wants the government to set up an independent body to review all monuments, roads and buildings and rename them after Ugandans and other historical figures who promote values such as freedom, dignity, peace and justice.
The petition is addressed to President Yoweri Museveni, the Ugandan Parliament and the Kampala Capital City Authorities - but Don Wanyama, Museveni's senior press secretary, said it was not in the president's power to rename roads and monuments.
