Uganda’s government has sparked anger in the country by announcing its decision to name a road after two foreign tourists who were tragically killed earlier this month. British citizen David Barlow and his South African wife Emmaretia Geyer lost their lives during their honeymoon when they were shot and their car was set on fire in a brutal attack on October 17th.
Criticism has erupted from some Ugandans who believe that the government’s gesture of honouring the foreign couple neglects the memory of Eric Alyai, the Ugandan guide who was also killed alongside them. While the couple’s visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park to see gorillas and other primates was cut short due to the attack by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an Islamic State-linked rebel group, Mr. Alyai’s sacrifice should not be disregarded.
Chris Baryomunsi, Uganda’s minister for ICT and national guidance, confirmed the decision to name a road after the slain tourists but did not disclose the road name. The government has declared its support for Mr. Alyai’s family but has not announced any plans to honour him in a similar fashion.
Ugandans have taken to social media to express their dismay at the government’s actions. Some argue that Mr. Alyai should also be recognized and have a road named after him, emphasizing that he too lost his life in service. Others believe that the government’s decision reflects an inferiority complex, highlighting the fact that Queen Elizabeth National Park itself is named after a British Queen.
Criticism has also been directed at the government for planning a memorial for the foreign tourists without taking any steps to honor the many Ugandan victims of previous ADF attacks. In June, 41 children were tragically killed when ADF fighters raided a school in Uganda.
This is not the first time that the Ugandan authorities have come under fire for their handling of the deaths of the couple and their guide. The Uganda Wildlife Authority faced backlash for posting a photo promoting Queen Elizabeth National Park soon after the attack. Many Ugandans deemed the post insensitive and lacking compassion towards the grieving families.
Ugandan human rights activist Daniel Kawuma strongly criticized the authority, condemning the “callousness and lack of humanity” displayed in their campaign. He questioned the decision to circulate cheerful photos of Queen Elizabeth National Park while the victims had not even been laid to rest.
The government’s choice to name a road after the slain tourists has ignited a passionate debate within Uganda. As the people voice their concerns about the commemoration and the treatment of local victims, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the mounting public pressure.
BBC/Jide Johnson.
