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Buganda (Uganda)

Last modified: 2007-02-16 by bruce berry
Keywords: buganda | uganda |
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[Buganda] image by Mukasa E. Ssemakula

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Buganda Kingdom : introduction

Buganda is the largest traditional kingdom within Uganda (the others are Toro, Ankole and Bunyoro, which make up part of the Western Region). During the colonial period, the British allowed the Kabaka (king) of Buganda and the rulers of the other states a large degree of power and influence, and this was retained a little while into independence. The kingdoms were abolished by Milton Obote in the 1960's but have recently been revived by President Yuseveni's government as a way of bringing government closer to the traditional feelings of the people.
Roy Stilling, 14 September 1996

When Uganda became independent, Milton Obote became prime minister. Being from the small Langi tribe, he appointed King 'Freddy' Mutesa II, Kabaka of Buganda, as president of Uganda. As has been mentioned, the Baganda were the largest ethnic group and more anglicized (by contact with missionaries and the colonial authorities) than the other groups.

By appointing Mutesa, Obote screwed up badly. He alienated other tribes and didn't actually succeed in placating the Baganda, who by May 1966 were openly agitating for Obote's overthrow. Obote used the then deputy commander of the Army, one Idi Amin to do the dirty work. Amin personally attacked the Kabaka's palace with a 122 mm gun mounted on his (Amin's) personal jeep. The King escaped, but took the hint and fled to Britain were he died in (I think) the early 1970s. Later, of course, Idi Amin staged a coup against Obote. Ironically, this was initially welcomed by the Baganda (naturally, Amin blamed Obote for their persecution).
Stuart Notholt, 15 September 1996

Buganda 1861-81

[Buganda 1861-81 flag] image by Jaume Ollé, from his site

Buganda c. 1881-89

[Buganda 1881-89 flag] image by Jaume Ollé, from his site

Buganda 1884-86, 1889

[Buganda 1884-86, 1889 flag] image by Jaume Ollé, from his site

15 Jul 1891 - 30 Mar 1892

[Buganda 1891 flag] image by Jaume Ollé, from his site

1892 Flag

[Buganda 1892] image by Jaume Ollé

Royal Standard

[Buganda 1892 royal standard] image by Jaume Ollé