In the early 1900s, British colonial officer Harry George Galt served as the sub-commissioner for Uganda’s Western Province. Born on January 28, 1872, in Emsworth, Hampshire, UK, Galt was known for his dedication to his administrative duties.
On May 19, 1905, during a journey from Fort Portal to Ibanda, Galt reportedly insisted that local Ugandans carry him without rest. Upon reaching Katooma, near Ibanda, a local man named Rutaraka, frustrated by Galt’s harsh treatment, speared him in the chest, leading to Galt’s death. Fearing retribution, Rutaraka subsequently took his own life.
The colonial administration conducted an investigation, initially sentencing two Ankole chiefs to death; however, these sentences were later overturned on appeal.
As a punitive measure, locals were ordered to construct a stone pyramid at the site of Galt’s death, which still stands today. Additionally, a street in Mbarara was named Galt Road in his memory.
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