Uganda achieved full independence under the UPC and Kabaka Yekka (KY) alliance through constitutional means on 9th October 1962. UPC was under the leadership of Milton Obote as prime minister. Uganda achieved her independence from British. In 1963 Uganda became republic and Edward Mutesa, the Kabaka’s of Uganda by that time became the first prime minister of Uganda.
THE BACKGROUND / SITUATION BEFORE THE RISE OF NATIONALISM IN UGANDA
THE BUGANDA AGREEMENT 1900
Uganda was declared a protectorate by the British in 1894. Buganda was the only protectorate but the British slowly extended all over the country by 1919. In 1899 Britain appointed a special commission, sir Harry Johnston to Uganda. Sir Harry Johnston signed the Buganda agreement of 1900 with the Kabaka of Buganda to strengthen British rule in Uganda protectorate. The agreement was made by the three Buganda regents because Kabaka Daudi Diwa was still a young boy.
CONTENT / RESOLUTIONS OF BUGANDA AGREEMENT IN 1900
i. Buganda to be a province within Uganda. This kingdom was ruled by Kabaka who was assisted by Katikiro (chief minister), Omulamzuzi (Chief Justice) and Omulahamika (the treasurer).
ii. Lukiiko was to be recognized as traditional legislative. It consisted of sixty officials among which, six are Kabaka nominees; twenty country chiefs (Saza) and three ministers. It made laws of the Buganda which had to be used as long as they never conflicted with protectorate laws.
iii. The agreement came up with land laws. It provided almost half of the land to Kabaka members of royal family, ministers and country chiefs. Chiefs were allowed to raise Busulu tax, labour services and Nvunjo tax which included food and beer. The rest of the land was reserved as a crown land which had to be owned by the British government. Peasants were not allowed to own land but they were allowed to grow cash crops on it.
iv. The agreement set boundaries to include the areas that had been taken from Bunyoro.
Buganda’s chiefs had to collect tax of three rupees and handled it to the administration. Buganda’s revenue would be added to that of the whole protectorate government. No further tax could be imposed by British without the consent of the Kabaka Lukiiko.
RESULTS OF BUGANDA AGREEMENT OF 1900
The Buganda agreement provided anew status which another kingdom ever had. It also gave new powers to the chiefs ministers and reduces the rate of clan head (Bataka0 in issues of land and government.
Buganda agreement strengthened indirect rule. British used the Buganda administration to extend their war of controlling Uganda. They faced no opposition from the Buganda. Since they felt as if they were ruled by their own local administrators.
It paved the way to other agreements (e.g. in June 1900). The British signed Toro Agreement in which they recognized local ruler, Mukama Kasagama in return for collection of hut tax and gun tax. In 1901, Wilson a British official signed Ankole Agreement on behalf of the commissioner.
FORMATION OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN UGANDA
The struggle for independence in Uganda started in 1950 where Ugandans formed different political parties. These parties were demanding for independence. These political parties include:
UNC – Uganda National Congress
This was formed by Ignatus Musazia in 1952. It appealed to all people in Uganda to unite together and fight for independence. The part was not supported by the Buganda and Kabaka.
DP – Democratic Party
It was established in 1956 by Mathayo Mungwanya. In 1958 Benedict Kiwanuka took over the leadership through national movement with religious ideology man. Its members and leaders were Catholics. Hence the party nicknamed “Dini ya Papa” (Religion of Papa). After the formation of these two parties, there was first election in 1958. the Buganda and Bugism boycotted the election. After this, more parties were formed.
UPC – Uganda’s People Union
It was formed in early 1960. But the party joined Obote’s group to form the UPC which vowed to unite the country and lead the fight for independence. The protectorate government divided to create social committee, but was led by early minister to consider the culture position of the kingdom.
Buganda had remained part of Uganda in a federal state with the central government.
Buganda had to send representatives who were either direct or an indirect elected to the national assembly.
The relationship with other three kingdom like Ankole, Toro and Bunyoro had to be semi federal.
UPC
This was formed by a combination of UNC and UPU and it was under the leadership of Milton Obote.
PROBLEMS WHICH FACED UGANDA DURING NATIONALISM OR FACTORS WHICH DELAYED INDEPENDENCE IN UGANDA.
i. Tribalism. The Buganda tribe did not have unity with other areas. They felt as superior tribe. In 1961, they formed Kabaka Yekka (Kabaka only) which was the political party demanding for the position of Kabaka as a ruler in independent Buganda. Other kingdom like Toro, Ankole and Busoga had their own interest.
ii. Religious opposition. E.g. Catholics and protestants in Uganda. These two groups did not work together in the struggle for independence. Example, the democratic party had many members and leaders who are Catholics, protestant and other religious did not want to join this party which had catholic interest.
iii. Language problem. There was no common language to communicate to all Ugandans. Hence when a leader wants to address the nation has to use English, Kiswahili and Luganda.
iv. Educational level was low. There were very few people who were educated in Uganda. Hence passing on the knowledge about nationalism was very difficult.
v. Indirect rule system. The British used this system in their administration. This made many Africa n leaders became puppet. They were not representing Africa ns but encouraging the implementations of British rule.
vi. Presence of many political parties. Uganda formed many political parties which were based on their interest e.g. UPC, UNC, DP and Kabaka, each had different ideology.
vii. Regionalism. Social services and various investment were generally concentrated in southern part but not northern part. Hence it became very difficult to in cooperate their dwellers in the struggle for independence.
viii. Land tenure system. Land laws which were introduced during Buganda agreement in 1900, divided Buganda's land into crown land and the mailed land (common land). This brought class division among people.
INDEPENDENCE PROCESS IN UGANDA
On 1st March 1962 Uganda attained a self – government and Benedict Kiwanuka was made to be the prime minister; but this was not full independence since some ministries were still held by the British. On April 1962, there was another election. The parties involved were DP, UPC and Kabaka Yekka. In this election UPC established an alliance with Kabaka Yekka. Hence UPC function as a nationalistic party which served the interest of ethnic groups. Therefore, UPC and Kabaka Yekka alliance won majority seats in the national assembly.
On 9th October 1962, Uganda achieved full independence under Milton Obote as the prime minister. In 1963 Edward Mutesa, the Kabaka was made the first president of Uganda. Sir Lolberfare Naliope, chief of Busoga was elected the vice president. In 1966, there was new constitution with an executive president, Milton Obote, Kabaka Mutesa went into exile to the Great Britain. All kingdoms were abolished and joined to form one Uganda.
