The Ugandan government’s decision to name a road after two foreign tourists who were killed on their honeymoon has sparked outrage throughout the country. Many Ugandans are criticizing the government for honoring the foreign couple while disregarding the Ugandan guide who was also killed in the attack. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an Islamic State-linked rebel group, claimed responsibility for the attack. This controversial decision has raised questions about equality and fairness in Uganda, while shining a light on the government’s handling of local deaths caused by the ADF.
The incident occurred on October 17th when British citizen David Barlow and his South African wife Emmaretia Geyer were shot dead during their visit to the Queen Elizabeth National Park. The ADF rebels not only killed the couple but also set their car on fire. The government’s response to this tragedy was to name a road after the tourists, but they made no mention of honoring the Ugandan guide, Eric Alyai, who lost his life in the same attack.
Critics argue that by exclusively honoring the foreign tourists, the government shows a lack of respect for its own citizens. One Ugandan citizen expressed their frustration saying, “Eric (Alyai) too was part of this death and so he must be remembered for he died on duty. It would only be fair enough.” This sentiment is shared by many who believe that all victims of such incidents should be treated equally, regardless of their nationality.
Furthermore, some Ugandans have pointed out that the Queen Elizabeth National Park itself is named after a British Queen, which further highlights a perceived inferiority complex within the country. This tragedy has prompted discussions about the lingering effects of colonialism and the need for Ugandans to reclaim their cultural identity.
The government’s decision to plan a memorial for the tourists, while neglecting to take any action to honor the numerous Ugandans killed by the ADF in previous attacks, has further fueled public anger. In June, the ADF carried out a surprise attack on a Ugandan school, resulting in the deaths of 41 children. This stark contrast in treatment towards foreign victims versus local victims has become a point of contention for many Ugandans, who demand equal recognition for all lives lost.
Adding to the frustration, the Uganda Wildlife Authority faced heavy criticism for posting a photo promoting the Queen Elizabeth National Park shortly after the couple’s death. The insensitive caption that accompanied the photo drew even more backlash, with one human rights activist stating, “It is deeply troubling how you use the scene of such a gruesome killing and post messages of an ‘exciting morning’ for tourists. It is incomprehensible how you could mock the victims and their grieving families by circulating happy photos of Queen Elizabeth before the bodies have even been laid to rest.”
This incident highlights the need for the Ugandan government to address concerns regarding equality and fair treatment when responding to tragedies. By excluding the Ugandan guide from the road-naming ceremony and neglecting to honor local victims of ADF attacks, the government risks exacerbating social divisions and undermining the trust of its citizens.
In order to rebuild public trust and promote inclusivity, the government should consider revising their decision and publicly acknowledge the sacrifice made by Eric Alyai. Additionally, they should take immediate action to honor all victims of ADF attacks, regardless of their nationality. Only by treating everyone equally and showing compassion towards all victims can the government hope to heal the wounds created by this tragedy and restore faith in their leadership.
