On Tuesday, a section of Ugandans on social media lost cool over the new monument erected on Mbarara main roundabout that overshadows the famous long horned cattle statue.
Historically, the statue represents the culture of Banyankole who dominate Mbarara District, whose main activity is cattle herding.
Designed by telecom company Airtel Uganda, the artistic structure of the Ankole long horned cow is almost making the original statue invisible.
At sight, one would think that the face-lift could impress but Ugandans who really know the history and beauty behind the iconic cow monument have been left with no option apart from trolling the brains behind the development.
Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago wrote, “As we are still battling Airtel to redesign and modify their towers at Kibuye and Jinja road junctions that symbolize our heritage, they have now descended onto Amahembe g’Ente junction in Mbarara … this Airtel clutter in Mbarara is awful and totally unacceptable. They must be called to order.”
Comedienne Anne Kansiime said she has failed to understand why the famous cattle sculpture has been hidden behind the new frames which she believes are not relatable to the region’s cultures.
She has started social media hashtags dubbed #BringBackOurCow and #BringBackOurBihogo as she advocates for the return of the famous sculpture.
Another city comedian Pablo wrote, “Indeed familiarity breeds contempt. Just because you were buying airtel bundles like milk, they have decided to take your cow Rusiina? Warup Mbarara people?”
Agatha Ayebazibwe commented, “Dear Airtel Uganda, this thing looks, smells and tastes ugly. Remove it like yesterday. We want to see our bull properly. Thank you.”
Whereas Stephen Mukisa said, “Someone please take down these ridiculous Christmas lights from Mbarara’s most famous roundabout.”
