The government of Central Equatoria on Wednesday issued a directive prohibiting the unauthorized renaming of towns, villages, rivers, forests, and other landmarks across the state.
Deputy Governor Paulino Lukudu Obede said the order responds to concerns over changes to traditional place names by what the government described as “unauthorized nonnative people.”
In a circular addressed to government offices, NGOs, private companies, civil society groups, the media, and the public, authorities said the renaming of geographical and historical sites distorts local heritage.
“The people and government of Central Equatoria have observed with dismay the intentional or unintentional alteration of our history through the renaming of places such as villages, streams, rivers, forests, mountains, residential areas, streets, roundabouts, and historical buildings,” the statement reads.
The directive instructs all institutions to immediately stop using altered names in official documents and processes. Examples cited include Thongping, originally known as Juba Na Bari; Jebel Dinka, originally Mere Lo Tor; and Jebel Kujur, formerly Jebel Korok.
Authorities warned of legal consequences for noncompliance. “The state government will take legal action against any individual or institution forging new names over well-established historical names,” the circular says.
Officials emphasized that enforcement will be closely monitored and full compliance is expected immediately.
The move highlights ongoing sensitivities in Central Equatoria over cultural identity, heritage preservation, and administrative authority, where place names carry historical and communal significance.
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