Authorities in Central Equatoria State have issued a stern warning against the unauthorized renaming of villages, rivers, streets and other landmarks, cautioning that violators will face legal action.
In an administrative circular dated April 8, the Office of the Deputy Governor Paulino Lukudu Obede said the government had observed with “dismay” what it described as the deliberate or inadvertent distortion of historical place names by non-native individuals and groups.
The directive, addressed to government institutions, non-governmental organizations, private companies, civil society organizations, the media and the general public, orders the immediate cessation of the use of altered names in all official and legal processes.
Officials stressed that long-established names tied to the state’s history and cultural identity must be respected and preserved, warning that any attempt to replace them would not be tolerated.
“The state government will take legal actions against any individual or institution forging new names over well-established historical names of areas,” the circular stated.
The crackdown covers a wide range of geographical and public features, including villages, streams, rivers, forests, mountains, residential areas, streets, roundabouts and historical buildings.
Authorities have also directed all institutions operating within the state to strictly implement the circular, signaling that enforcement will be closely monitored.
The government further warned that it would remain vigilant in ensuring compliance, underscoring what officials say is a growing concern over the erosion of indigenous heritage through the alteration of place names.
The circular was signed by Central Equatoria State Deputy Governor Paulino Lukudu Obede.
