FACT-CHECK: This is not a photo of Malakia Street in Juba

A photo shared in a Facebook post, alleged to be of Malakia Street in Juba, South Sudan, is false.

“Malakia street, Juba, South Sudan,” reads the caption of the photo a user shared.

Press enter or click to view image in full size

Debunking the Claim:

The ClarityDesk has investigated the claim about the photo supposedly depicting Malakia street in Juba, South Sudan, and finds that the image has been misleadingly attributed. Our findings, consistent with the claim, show that the photograph originates from Kampala, Uganda.

A thorough examination of images of Namirembe Road in Kampala, particularly those showing the vicinity of Kiseka Market and the area leading towards where Hotel Equatoria would be, reveals striking similarities to the disputed photo. Key visual cues such as the architecture, types of businesses, road infrastructure, and general urban landscape are characteristic of Kampala’s streets, not Juba.

In contrast, images and descriptions of Malakia Street in Juba reveal different architectural styles, varying road conditions, and a distinct urban environment, as seen in the video below.

A reverse image search, a tool for tracing the origin of photographs when applied to the photo in question, returned searches that consistently pointed to locations along Namirembe Road in Kampala, Uganda, confirming its true geographical context.

Our Verdict:

The ClarityDesk has found the claim that a photo is of Malakia Street in Juba, false. Google reverse image search reveals the photo is actually of Namirembe Road towards Kiseka Market and Hotel Equatoria in Kampala, Uganda.

Misattributing images, even seemingly innocuous ones, can contribute to the spread of misinformation and distort public perception of places and events.

What to Do:

• Always be skeptical of unverified images: If a photo’s caption seems questionable or doesn’t align with your knowledge of a place, take a moment to verify.
• Use reverse image search tools: Websites like Google Images, TinEye, or Yandex Images allow you to upload a picture and find its origins, other instances of it online, and potentially its true context.
• Cross-reference with reliable sources: Check official news outlets, reputable travel guides, or government websites for authentic images and information.

Have you spotted an error in this article and would like to request a correction, or have you come across a claim that we should investigate? Please send us an email via editor@claritydesk.org or click here to WhatsApp us.