Uganda Protectorate

Origins

After the Imperial British East Africa Company withdrew, Britain declared a protectorate over Buganda in 1894 and extended it to Bunyoro, Toro, Ankole and Busoga in the following years, after defeating Kabalega of Bunyoro. The Buganda Agreement of 1900, negotiated by Harry Johnston, set the terms of British rule and Buganda's privileged place.

Rule and society

Britain ruled indirectly, using Ganda chiefs as agents across the protectorate and preserving the kingdoms. The Uganda Railway reached Lake Victoria in 1901, and African smallholders grew cotton and later coffee, with Indian traders handling much of the commerce. Christian missions spread rapidly. The exile of Kabaka Mutesa II from 1953 to 1955 sparked a major crisis.

Decline and legacy

Uganda became independent on 9 October 1962 under Prime Minister Milton Obote, with the kingdoms federated within it, and in 1963 Mutesa II became president. Tensions between the central state and Buganda shaped its early politics.