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S 2-History
There was also increased entry of Europeans into the interior of East Africa, hence loss of independence o
There was an establishment and expansion of resettlement centres like bagamoyo, rabai
and Frere town.
There was improvement in the transport system: railways and feeder roads were
constructed.
It became almost impossible for some societies to stabilize on land because they had lost
their means of livelihood e.g. the Yao.
Former trade routes later developed into proper communication ways.
The inter-tribal wars that were used to acquire slaves were drastically reduced.
Guiding questions;
What factors led to the development of slave trade in East Africa?
What were the effects of slave trade?
Describe the steps taken by Britain to abolish slave trade in East Africa?
What were the effects of the abolition of slave trade in East Africa?
Why did slave trade expand in East Africa in the late 18th century and the first half of the
19th century?
Why did the abolition of slave trade prove so difficult before 1873?
What led to the abolition of slave trade in East Africa during the 19th century?
How did the abolition of slave trade affect East Africa?
How was slave trade organised in East Africa?
How was slave trade abolished in East Africa?
EUROPEAN ACTIVITY IN EAST AFRICA (EXPLORERS, MISSIONARIES,
COMPANIES/TRADERS)
In the mid 19thcentury, the people of East Africa came into contact with the Europeans
who included explorers, missionaries and traders. They were sent by societies like Royal
Geographical Society, London Missionary Society, while some came on their own like sir
Samuel Baker and his wife).
NB; these were agents of colonialism.
EXPLORERS/ TRAVELLERS
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Explorers are people who travel into or through places for the purpose of discovery in order to learn more
Examples of Explorers;
Krapf and Rebman 1848-1849 in Kenya and Kilimanjaro
John Speke and Burton reached Tanganyika in 1856-1858
In 1860-1862, Speke and Grant reached Buganda, Speke reached the source of the nile
and later travelled northwards to Sudan.
In 1861-1865 sir Samuel Baker reached lake Albert and Murchison falls.
In 1874-1877 HM Stanley expedition from East coast travelled around Lake Tanganyika
and confirmed the source of the Nile.
In 1883-1884 Thompson reached Kenya and tried to do more discoveries.
Richard Burton, John Speke and James Grant
These were army officers who were sent by the Royal Geographical society, entrusted
with the task of finding the source of river Nile. However, Speke became the first
European to see the source of the Nile. Later Richard Burton suffered from fever and
Speke had an eye problem. Speke and burton reached Tanganyika in 1856-58
Sir Samuel Baker
He also tried to find the source of the Nile but in vain. Together with his wife Florence,
he saw and named Lake Albert on 14th march 1864 in honour of Prince Albert of Britain.
Dr. David Livingstone
He was sent by the RGS to discover the nature of Lakes and river systems of East and
Central Africa. He was both an explorer and a missionary who was devoted to civilisation
of man.
However, in his travels, he was later weakened by dysentery but after making a report
about East Africa.
Henry Morton Stanley
The next European to visit the court of the kabaka/king of Buganda was Henry Morton
Stanely. It was he who, after speaking to the kabaka about Christianity, became the bearer
of the kabaka’s famous letter which appeared in London’s daily telegraph asking queen
Victoria to send missionaries to Buganda to teach his people the Christian religion and
western knowledge. He was a journalist and explorer. He was sent to find Dr.
Livingstone.
Joseph Thompson
He was a Scottish explorer sent by the RGS. He became the first European to trace a
direct route through Maasai land and to Lake Victoria.
THE ROLE PLAYED BY EXPLORERS IN THE COLONISATION OF EAST
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AFRICA
They gave Europeans accurate information about the geography of East Africa. E.g John
Speke wrote about the source of the nile hence guiding European colonization process.
They signed treaties with African chiefs on behalf of their home governments and such
treaties were later used by the colonialists to claim such areas as their territories. E.g. Carl
Peters signed agreements in Tanganyika with the chiefs.
They exposed the hospitality of some tribes e.g. Speke reported about cordial atmosphere
in Buganda and it was from here that colonization started.
They exposed hostile tribes like banyoro, Nandi and this made the british approach them
forcefully compared to peaceful ones.
They decampaigned slave trade and advocated for its abolition eventually leading to the
colonization of East Africa.
They established good working relations with African chiefs (mirambo, Tip tip, e.g.
through his friendship with kabaka Mutesa 1, Stanely managed to convince him to invite
missionaries but these ended up being colonial agents.
Some explorers served as colonial administrators e.g. sir Samuel Baker became governor
of the equatorial province(Kenya)
They drew the sketch map of East Africa which acted as a guide for the missionaries,
traders and later colonialists.
They reported about the favourable climate and fertile areas which attracted the
Europeans. E.g. Count Teleki reported about volcanic soils of the kikuyu land and this led
to the colonization of Kenya.
Some built forts which were later used as administrative centres by colonialists. E.g. sir
Samuel baker established Fort Patiko in Gulu.
In their reports they did a lot in changing the attitude of Europeans about Africa as a
whole. Initially, Europeans feared Africa as a white man’s grave i.e. whoever came to
Africa could not return. This encouraged colonialists to come.
The explorers also funded and supported those who volunteered to travel to Africa. The
Royal geographical society supported the movements of John Speke and James grant,
eventually; they contributed to the colonization process.
They identified the demand patterns of East Africa tribes like guns and foreign protection
and encouraged their home governments to come and supply the Africans with the
necessary requirement ending into colonization.
Whether directly or indirectly European explorers paved way for European colonization
of East Africa.
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THE MISSIONARIES
These were religious men who came up after spiritual renewal in Europe in the 18th
century as there was need to enlighten other parts of the world. The missionary groups
that came and operated in East Africa included the The London missionary society, the
church missionary society which was started by krapf in 1844 and was later joined by
Rebmann, The white fathers 1879 etc
The pioneer missionaries in East Africa were the Church Missionary Society led by the
Germans John Krapf and Johann Rebman who arrived in East Africa around 1844 and
1846 respectively.
In 1877, the Church Missionary Society mission arrived in Buganda while the white
fathers arrived in 1879.
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The success of earlier travellers inspired them to come to East Africa. Ludwig Krapf and
Rebmann’s successful journeys in East Africa also inspired more missionaries to come.
They were paving way for the European imperialists i.e. they were colonial agents.
Through their wonderful teaching they hoped to soften the hearts of Africans for later
colonialists.
Missionary interests were also due to industrial revolution that had generated a lot of
wealth for European countries. This meant that they had a lot of money for overseas
adventures.
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They carried out exploration work into the discovery of various East African physical
features. For example, Kraft was the first European to see Mt. Kenya in 1849 while
Rebman was the first to European see Kilimanjaro in 1848.
Christian missionaries set up stations for free rehabilitation services for example in 1868
the Holy Ghost Fathers set up a home for the free slaves at Zanzibar.
Christian missionaries participated in opening up various mission stations. Such mission
stations could help in enhancing evangelization into the local population. For example
Rebman set up one at Rabai near Mombasa.
Christian missionaries participated in skill development in East Africa. They for example
participated in modernizing Agriculture and carpentry by setting up agricultural
institutions and carpentry workshops for training.
Christian missionaries were also influential in establishing educational institutions and
training efficient class of African clergy (catechists) who were close and more
understandable to the local communities. This helped and enhanced the propagation of
faith.
Christian missionaries were at times involved in political processes that were beyond
spiritual jurisdiction. They for example took part in the overthrow of kabaka Mwanga.
MISSIONARIES IN UGANDA
The missionaries who came to Uganda were centered in Buganda. They were inspired by
the report made by Stanley about the kabaka of Buganda. The kabaka welcomed and was
ready to receive these missionaries.
The first group of missionaries to arrive in Buganda was sent by the church missionary
society and among these was Alexander Mackay. They arrived in Buganda in 1876 and
they were protestant by faith.
Another group of missionaries was sent from France and they belonged to the white
fathers. They arrived at the kabaka’s palace in 1879 and they were catholic by faith.
Among their activities in Buganda were spreading Christianity, building of churches and
hospitals, working on translations, teaching various skills like building, agriculture,
reading and writing.
At kabaka Muteesa’s palace in Rubaga, the missionaries were not allowed to move very
far, so their work was limited just at the kabaka’s palace and nearby.
MISSIONARIES IN TANGANYIKA
In Tanganyika, the Holy fathers operated there. They began a settlement scheme for the
freed slaves where the slaves were being taught and looked after.
The missionaries taught Christianity and manual skills.
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In 1871 the London missionary society founded a number of missionary stations around Lake Tanganyika
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unnecessary delays.
At times unfaithful porters stole and ran away with their properties e.g. David
Livingstone lost property in Tanzania.
Some of them lost life after being misunderstood by traditionalists and African rulers e.g.
Mwanga ordered for the killing of bishop Hannington (James) because he had arrived
from the direction of the East. (It was believed that enemies of Buganda would always
come from the East.
The problems faced by the missionaries were political, social and economic.
EFFECTS OF THE MISSIONARY ACTIVITIES ON THE PEOPLE OF EAST
AFRICA
They preached the gospel which converted many people into Christianity.
They built schools which improved literacy in East Africa like Namilyango College,
Gayaza high school, Ngora high school, Kings College Buddo, SMACK etc.
They built hospitals which provided better health services like Mengo, Rubaga.
They abolished slave trade and slavery which promoted human dignity and respect for
human life.
They introduced legitimate trade which became a means of livelihood.
They also introduced languages which eased communication e.g. English, French,
German and Latin.
They promoted the study of African languages which led to the production of more
literature for the converts.
They introduced new methods of agriculture which improved farming and yields.
They introduced new cash crops on which the economy of East Africa depended like
coffee, cotton, sisal, pyrethrum, rubber etc
They built roads which eased transport and communication.
They opened up mission stations which later developed into towns like Rabai, Bagamoyo
etc
They created employment opportunities for many Africans which improved people’s
standards of living like clerical work like teaching, nursing, interpretation etc
They introduced western culture which undermined African culture.
They introduced technical skills which were acquired by Africans like brick laying,
carpentry, craft, pottery etc.
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They paved way for European colonization which eroded African independence.
Their missionary education produced pioneer nationalists who contributed to the
liberation of their respective countries. These include Dr. Apollo Milton Obote, Julius
Nyerere, JK Musaazi, Jomo Kenyatta, Tom Mboya etc.
They produced elite who formed political parties based on religion like DP for Catholics,
UPC for Protestants, KANU, and TANU etc.
They introduced the printing press that eased the production of literature.
Missionary activities of preaching the word of God by the different religious groups
divided Africans along religious lines.
They opened up primary and secondary schools as well as training colleges for teachers
and trade schools for craftsmen e.g. Kisubi Vocational School, Kiteredde Brothers in
Masaka. In the technical schools, carpentry and brick laying skills were obtained
They fought slave trade which was later abolished and equality and liberty for all was
encouraged in East Africa.
REASONS FOR THE SUCCESS OF MISSIONARY WORK IN EAST AFRICA
The missionaries’ success was noted in the economic, political and social fields and these
are discussed as follows:
The evils of slave trade made East Africans welcome missionaries as liberators. Their
campaign against slave trade won them much support from different tribes in East Africa.
The support they got from some of the local chiefs and kings led to their success. For
instance, Muteesa I of Buganda and Mirambo of Nyamwezi all gave them protection as
well as rights to do their work in their territories.
The earlier explores helped to map out potential areas of East Africa for smooth
missionary work. For instance, H.M Stanley had identified Buganda as a hospitable
community for the missionaries and they were later welcomed by the Kabaka of Buganda
in 1877.
The support missionaries got from their home governments led them to success. This
was in form of finance and physical manpower for instance colonial governments gave
protection to the missionaries whenever they were challenged by local chiefs or other
threats. For instance, Captain Lugard supported the Protestants in the religious wars in
Buganda.
Some missionary groups sought for alliances with African chiefs. Such treaties of
friendship made their work easy since the chiefs would call on their subjects to take on
the missionary teachings.
The missionaries’ efforts to translate the bible into several local languages helped them
succeed for example Kraft translated the New Testament of the Bible into Swahili and
wrote a Swahili dictionary and a Grammar book.
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The developments that missionaries found in societies like Buganda favored their work. For example, inf
The industrial revolution had provided such technology like the printing press which
made printing of bibles and other academic work easy.
Their efforts in life saving services like medical care (Quinine) won them great
admiration among the people of East Africa that few were ready to oppose them.
The missionaries’ practical skills enabled them to survive even when their supplies from
home delayed. They for instance adopted agriculture as soon as they settled anywhere.
This ensured steady supply of food.
They employed locals as porters, interpreters, cooks or security guards hence winning the
loyalty of many.
The death of Dr. David Livingstone in 1873 and other earlier missionaries increased the
determination by many groups to see missionary work succeed in Africa, and East Africa
in particular. E.g. the London news paper wrote after his death, “the work for Africa
must hence forth begin in earnest where Livingstone left it off.”
Establishment of resettlement centers for freed slaves e.g. at Bagamoyo and Frere town
near Mombasa where skills like carpentry, and agriculture were taught. Such
communities thus looked at missionary work as “a life- saving mission
THE ROLE PLAYED BY MISSIONARIES IN THE COLONISATION OF EAST
AFRICA
Missionary groups which came to East Africa included the London missionary society,
church missionary society, white fathers etc
Through their missionary preaching, they softened the hearts of Africans that they did not
resist colonialism.
Always called upon their home governments to come and occupy areas where they
worked in order to protect them from their rivals.
They were involved in the overthrow of local rulers like in Buganda Christian
missionaries were involved in the overthrow of Mwanga hence easing the work of
colonialists later.
Missionaries settled in areas where their home governments had economic interests.
Missionary preaching divided Africans along Christian denominations making it easy for
the colonialists to conquer them.
Missionaries signed treaties which were later used by colonialists to take over colonies
e.g. Tucker, a British Missionary interpreted the 1900 Buganda Agreement to the regents
of Kabaka Daudi Chwa II. This led to loss of political, economic and social powers to the
British protectorate government. Sir Harry John stone who signed on behalf of the British
government confessed that; “I John stone shall be bound to acknowledge the assistance
offered to me by the missionaries especially the CMS. Without their assistance on my
side, I do not think Uganda’s chiefs would agree to the treaty which practically places
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occupied Uganda
Missionary stations that they set up served as military bases from where the European
colonial forces launched attacks on the resisting Africans. African Lugard used old
Kampala hill as a military base against Kabalega.
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However, Kiweewa ruled for less than 12months and he was deposed for refusing to embrace islam claim
By this time, the muslims were the strongest faction. Kiweewa then fled to kabula, then
in Ankole.
In October 1888, Kiweewa’s brother Kalema who had converted to Islam and given the
name Rashid was made the kabaka.
His rule was also short lived approximately one year from October 1888 to October 1889
when mwanga returned and over threw him with support from Christians. Kalema fled to
bunyoro with some of his muslim allies.
However, Mwanga’s wars, quarrels and struggles continued between his Christian allies
Apollo kagwa and Stansalus Mugwanya.
In 1890 Mwanga signed a treaty with captain D Lugard a representative of IBEACO
seeking his protection.
In the same year war broke out between the protestants and catholics after a catholic had
murdered a protestant.
In this war Lugard sided with the protestants arming them with 500 guns. The catholics
were defeated and with mwanga, they fled to Buddu in masaka.
All the same in 1893, mwanga was recalled to sign a treaty with sir Gerald Portal. Sanity
returned to Buganda for some time as Gerald Portal tried to divide power equally among
the catholics and protestants.
In 1894, a protectorate was declared over Uganda. Mwanga and his disgruntled chiefs
protested against the British but failed.
In August 1897, mwanga was overthrown and replaced by his three year old son Daudi
Chwa 11. He fled to Lango and joined kabalega in the struggle against the british
imperialism.
Unfortunately, the two were captured in 1899 by Kakungulu and were exiled to
Seychelles island in the Indian ocean. He eventually died in 1903.
This marked the end of missionary squabbles and fights otherwise known as the religious
wars.
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DUTIES;
It was to sign treaties with African rulers which would make it very easy for the British to
claim territories later.
To develop transport where it operated e.g. building roads and railways.
To encourage and develop trade in East Africa.
To provide security to missionaries in East Africa.
To stop slave trade.
To set up security organs and posts to ensure law and order.
To bring a wider area under British influence.
It was then given initial capital of 250000 dollars. But by 1891 it run bankrupt wanted to
leave Uganda. However, missionaries came in and gave 40000 which pushed them till
1892.
By this time the company had done enough in protecting British interests. When they run
bankrupt, the British government declared Uganda British protectorate in 1894 and over
Kenya in 1895 (July)
NB the two were given royal charters to control areas they operated in. (Right/authority).
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They also provided protection to the missionaries who were also colonial agents.
They encouraged colonial farming like plantation farming in cash crops like cotton,
coffee on which the colonial economy depended.
They encouraged the abolition of slave trade which created peace for colonial activities.
They exposed the economic potential of E. African countries which attracted their
colonial governments to come and exploit.
They campaigned for the retention of areas where they had operated in e.g. Lugard
campaigned for retention of Uganda.
They provided guns to some chiefs and collaborators like Kasgama of Tooro by Lugard.
They signed treaties of friendship, trade and protection that were used as evidence by the
colonial powers. E.g IBEACO with the Baganda, Kikuyu, Maasai, Nandi while GEACO
with chiefs of Usambala, Ukami, and Ulungulu.
They rivaled in East Africa for colonies which forced the colonialists to intervene and this
led to the signing of the Anglo-German Agreements of 1886 and 1890 Anglo Agreements
that partitioned East Africa between Britain and Germany.
Later when they run bankrupt they called upon their government to take over.
They provided first administrators during the colonial process e.g. FD Lugard the
IBEACO official who encouraged Britain to take over Uganda after finishing ground
work.
Their role was both direct and indirect.
Explain the roles played by the following in the colonization of East Africa.
IBEACO
GEACO
ROLES OF IBEACO
It was founded in 1888 by William MacKnon.
Its role was pronounced in Kenya and Uganda.
It promoted agriculture through introducing cash crops upon which the colonial economy
thrived.
It promoted legitimate trade whose profits attracted the colonialists
It encouraged abolition of slave trade which made the area peaceful for colonial
activities.
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It provided information regarding East African minerals and other resources which could be exploited.
It protected missionaries who were fore runners/agents of colonialism.
It signed treaties with African chiefs like F. Lugard and Mwanga which was later used as
evidence by the colonial administrators.
It set up infrastructures like roads, bridges which eased transport and communication of
the colonialists.
It provided administrators like Lugard to rule on behalf of the colonial masters.
It set up administrative head quarters, forts and garrisons which were later used by the
colonial troops.
It helped in suppressing African resistances creating way for European colonialism.
It provided guns to some chiefs who were collaborators for security purposes e.g.
kasagama of Toro.
It provided funds to run the costs of administration before the colonial masters took over
officially.
It established armies that were used to run colonial administration.
It surrendered the charter to the colonial government when it became bankrupt.
THE ROLE PLAYED BY F.D LUGARD IN THE COLONISATION OF EAST AFRICA.
He was a retired army officer after serving in the Indian army, when Britain colonized
India.
He came to Uganda as the first administrator of IBEACO.
His duty was to defend the british colonial interests.
Capt. Lugard stopped Germany advances to Buganda by stopping Charles Stokes a
German missionary who was believed to have been heading to Buganda.
He also checked on the advances of Emin Pasha
He arrived in December 1890 and on 26th December he signed a treaty of protection at
Mengo with kabaka Mwanga.
In 1890, the heligoland treaty was signed between the british and Germans in order to
define the western boundaries of their spheres of interest which placed Uganda under
IBEACO.
In 1891, he supported the Protestants with 500 guns against the Catholics and Muslims.
(Laying a peaceful ground).
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In the same year he signed a treaty with the rulers of Ankole making the area a company territory.
In 1893, he restored Kasagama to the throne and signed a protection treaty with him.
He also went to lake Edward areas and persuaded Selim Bey with his Sudanese soldiers
to enlist with his company force.
He embarked on weakening bunyoro with the help of semei Kakungulu.
While in Uganda, he explored the western part, mainly monitoring the ivory trade there.
With the assistance from Kasagama, Lugard also moved to Ankole, where he signed
treaties with Ankole Rulers, declaring the area a protectorate.
In his activities, he also established Forts on the Toro-Bunyoro border and one in
Buganda at old kampala which were later used by the colonial forces.
In 1892 he signed a treaty with Mwanga giving him political control over Buganda after
the religious wars.
In 1893, he went back to England but while there, he campaigned for the British to take
over Uganda through the press and public speeches.
In the same year (1893) IBEACo under Lugard handed over the charter to the british
colonial government.
In 1894, Uganda was declared a british protectorate through his effort.
In 1922, he wrote a guidance book on colonial administration “ the dual mandate in
tropical Africa”
This became the basis of the british policy of administration of indirect rule.
PROBLEMS FACED BY LUGARD add problems
He was faced with wide spread rebellions against british rule like kabalega’s rebellion,
lamogi rebellion etc
He faced a challenge of language barrier which made communication difficult
Inadequate means of transport made it hard for him and troops to move to various areas.
He lacked enough man power to administer the areas he had acquired effectively.
Poor communication network between the head quarters and other parts of the
protectorate made it hard for him to command those areas.
Harsh climatic conditions especially the prolonged drought and flood.
Tropical diseases like malaria and yellow fever affected their activities.
Inadquate funs to finance the administrative costs of the protectorate and activities.
Different systems of administration in different parts of Uganda by that time also made
his work difficult.
Creating a centralized authority where it did not exist was very difficult.
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ROLES OF GEACO
It was founded by Carl Peters in 1884.
It promoted agriculture upon which the colonial economy depended.
It promoted legitimate trade which attracted the colonialists.
It stopped slave trade which had caused untold suffering making the region peaceful and
easy to conquer.
It provided information regarding minerals and other resources hence attracting
colonialists.
It protected the Christian missionaries who were the fore runners of colonialism.
It signed treaties with African chiefs like those of Usambara, Urungulu, Ukami etc
It provided administrators to rule on behalf of the colonial masters like the akidas and
jumbes created by GEACO were adopted and retained by the colonial administration.
It opened up administrative stations in usagara, vinza, bagamoyo, pangani valley,
ulungulu valley, which were later a base for colonialists.
It fought and defeated rebellious societies like the coastal arabs (abushiri), Hehe etc
It provided funds to run the administrative costs in their areas of influence.
Built infrastructures like roads for easy movements of colonial troops
Established a colonial army
When it got bankrupt, it surrendered its charter to its home government.
PROBLEMS FACED BY CHARTERED COMPANIES
The chartered companies did not have enough funds to carry out their activities in East
Africa e.g. constructing roads, setting up plantations etc.
The companies also faced man power shortages which delayed their work while in East
Africa.
While in East Africa, the companies did not have a steady source of income to meet their
immediate costs of administration. E.g. minerals they expected was scarce, cash crop
growing had not taken root….
They were faced with hostilities from Africans e.g. Maji Maji rebellion, Abushiri
uprising, Banyoro, Nandi, Maasai etc which made their work difficult.
Tropical diseases like malaria, yellow fever, claimed their staff, hence retarding their
activities.
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Chartered companies, IBEACO in particular were challenged by religious wars in Buganda e.g. Lugard (a
Similarly, the companies involved in political wars, e.g. Lugard supported Buganda
against Bunyoro. This also involved expenditure which equally strained its budget.
The companies were also faced with attacks by wild animals in East Africa. The animals
limited their areas of influence.
They were faced with communication challenges while in East Africa especially with
their home governments.
Similarly, was the problem of language barrier which delayed their work.
They were also faced with poor transport. This was due to lack of developed roads.
They also tended to rival each other e.g. IBEACO and GEACO always conflicted over
territories.
They faced harsh climatic conditions like floods, prolonged drought etcl.
They experienced interference from the slave traders’ i.e. Arab and Swahili traders.
Lack of geographical knowledge also affected their activities; thick forests, lakes, rivers,
mountains made their movements difficult.
They faced stiff competition from other traders e.g. Arab, Swahili and Nyamwezi traders
made GEACO lose out on, trade since they were also experienced traders.
The problems faced were political, social and economic.
THE ROLE PLAYED BY DR. CARL PETERS IN THE COLONISATION OF
TANGANYIKA.
He was both a German colonial agent and trader in Tanzania. In 1884 he formed a
Germany society to colonize East Africa.
He was the founder of GEACO.
In 1884, he arrived in Zanzibar, searching for areas of Economic potential, and by
November he had arrived in Tanzania (Tanganyika).
In Tanganyika, he signed agreements at Usambura, Usagara, Ukami, Ugulu etc.
He then returned to Germany and convinced Bismarck to recognize the treaties he had
signed. By these treaties Germany claimed those areas.
Carl Peters also signed a friendship treaty with Mwanga in 1890 and this was in an
attempt to take over Uganda as well
He provided finance and security to Berlin 111 missionaries. These acted as colonial
agents in Tanganyika.
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In 1885 he formed the GEACO, which got a royal charter from the German government
to oversee her territories.
He managed to convince Bismarck to agree to the plan of owning colonies in East Africa.
(he had once remarked that colonies are not worthy the bones of a single Germany
soldier)-compare with-Africa being a white man’s grave.
He established Administrative stations (8 in number)2 in Ulunguru valley,2 in Usagara,2
in Uvinza,1 in Bagamoyo, and 1 in Pangani valley.
He together with his company provided the initial man power and finance to administer
Tanganyika on behalf of their government.
Carl Peters in his works managed to prevent other colonialists from taking over
Tanganyika.ie IBEACO.
However, he was faced with the Abushiri uprising in1890 and in 1896 he got terminated
for being too cruel to Africans.
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The first treaty did not define the boundaries of Germans and the British sphees of influence and it did no
There was also a strong desire in the part of Germans to acquire the islands of the
Heligoland, which was in the North Sea. They wanted to use it as a naval base/military
base making Bismarck to negotiate for another treaty.
The 2nd Anglo German agreement of 1890 (Heligo land treaty) with the following terms;
Uganda and Kenya were confirmed as British spheres of influence hence ignoring Carl
Peters treaty with Mwanga (it also extended the line of demarcation from the East to West
across Lake Victoria)
Germany agreed to give up her claim over Witu and accept a British protectorate over
Zanzibar and the rest of Sultan’s territory.
In return, Britain surrendered the North Sea Island of Heligoland to Germany for whom
was of strategic importance.
Germany lost the area of wanga (western Kenya) where she had signed a treaty with
Nabongo Sakwa.
Germany got the area around Lake Tanganyika and a strip of land along the coast of
Tanganyika from the sultan who was compensated.
Hence the Heligoland treaty concluded the Anglo German conflicts.
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In 1890 Carl Peters signed a friendship treaty with Nabongo Sakwa of wanga in western Kenya which ma
Carl Peters also signed a friendship treaty with Kabaka Mwanga and yet when the IBEA
representative, Jackson tried to get a similar treaty from Mwanga, he was unable to
change his mind (page 115 ES ATIENO ODHIAMBO). This also increased conflicts.
When it was rumored that the German commissioner would visit Buganda, the British
anxiety increased.
Hatred and mistrust between the trading companies about each others’ intentions always
increased.
Between 1887 and 1889 the Mahdi, a Sudanese religious leader besieged Emin Pasha
(Egyptian governor of the equatoria province i.e. English man) also increased
tension/suspicion within both IBEACO and GEACO.
At the same time Carl Peters heard that Frederick Jackson was on the way to rescue Emin
Pasha which worried him since it meant that Britain would take over the area. (Egyptian
equatorial province i.e. the territory between Gondokoro and northern Uganda.)
The undefined western boundaries of the spheres created by the Anglo-Germany treaty of
1886 led to conflicts (Uganda and parts of Kenya). i.e. Carl Peters had moved to Buganda
and wanga and signed treaties with the rulers yet these were considered British spheres.
There was also a strong need by Germany to get the Heligoland in Europe.
The arrival of Germany warships in Zanzibar to bring Sultan Bargash under full control
was against British will.
British anxiety increased when it was rumored that the Germany imperial commissioner
would visit Buganda.
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strip from river Ruvuma in the south to river Umba on the foot hills of Mt Kilimanjaro.
The British sphere of influence comprised the area north of river Umba.
Witu in modern Kenya was to be a German enclave.
But the 1886 agreement did not cater for Uganda which led to another scramble.
The result was the 1890 agreement (Heligoland) treaty by which Britain got Uganda.
While Germany received Heligoland (an Island in the North Sea) in compensation
The ten-mile coastal strip reverted to the Germans.
The Germans also gave up Witu to the British.
Zanzibar, Pemba, Mafia were to be under the British.
Uganda was declared a British protectorate.
The Uganda- Tanganyika border extended towards Congo border.
The 1890 agreement virtually solved the conflict between Germany and Britain.
German abandoned claim over Buganda and it was taken over by the British.
It led to the effective occupation of East Africa by German and Britain.
What problems were faced by the European powers in the scramble and partition of East
Africa?
They faced a number of them as follows;
Inadequate man power since they were few in number.
Inadequate funds to meet their costs of administration
Language barrier as each tribe in East Africa had its own language.
Their work was also affected by the religious wars in Buganda.
Their activities were also affected by tropical diseases which claimed their already few
staff.
They were also attacked by wild animals like lions, leopards etc
Poor communication between them and their home governments also delayed their
activities.
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Geographical barriers like lakes, rivers and mountains slowed down their movements.
The European powers rivaled each other and this delayed the scramble and partition. (
they often had clashes)
Poor transport means affected their work. There being no well developed roads and
railways.
Frequent rebellions e.g. from the Nandi, Mwanga and Kabalega, Nyangire rebellion in
Bunyoro 1907, Lamogi rebellion in acholi 1911-1912, Nyabingi rebellion in Ankole were
a big challenge to the colonialists.
The Arab slave traders also hindered their work. They were opposed to abolition of slave
trade.
THE EFFECTS OF SCRAMBLE AND PARTITION IN EAST AFRICA
The East African states lost their independence and were subjected to European rule and
administration e.g. Kenya and Uganda in were in the hands of the British while Tanzania
was controlled by the Germans.
Many African chiefs or kings were killed or sent into exile because of the scramble and
partition in East Africa for example Kabalega and Mwanga were exiled while chief
Mkwawa of the Hehe was beheaded for resisting German colonial rule in Tanganyika.
The African chiefs and some of the coastal rulers lost their power and authority and were
subjected to colonial rule e.g. Mwanga and Kabalega and also the sultan of Zanzibar
Bargash.
They established new systems of administration i.e. indirect rule by the British and direct
rule by the Germans.
There was an increase of Europeans in East Africa for example many of them settled in
the Kenya highlands. Thus Africans lost their land and were put into reserve camps e.g.
the Maasai.
After the partition, new boundaries were drawn and defined in East Africa without
respect of the tribes which led to disunity of Africans.
Slave trade was completely wiped out and replaced with legitimate trade in East Africa.
Scramble and partition accelerated the construction and development of infrastructure
such as schools, hospitals, roads and bridges.
There was maximum exploitation of resources in East Africa like Ivory, Minerals like
Gold, Copper, and Cash crops like Cotton, Coffee, and Sisal etc.
Agriculture was promoted and developed. Some cash crops like cotton was introduced in
1903 by sir Kenneth Borup. They also introduced new methods of farming.
They developed legitimate trade, which enabled them to get raw materials for their
industries and they sold their products to East Africans.
They promoted the western culture in East Africa for example the way of dressing,
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Several forts were built over the border of Bunyoro and Toro and such stations were later used to establis
They used chartered companies to establish colonial rule in East Africa for example
IBEACO.
The European colonialists also used gifts to the African leaders like chiefs and kings to
persuade their people to accept colonialism.
They used force to suppress resistance all of which maintained law and order i.e. military
confrontation was used in hostile areas like Bunyoro, acholi, karamoja then British rule
would be established.
Intimidation and threats were used to scare off the would be resistors. They would be
hanged, burnt alive and others exiled like Mwanga and kabalega were exiled to
Seychelles islands.
In some areas mercenaries would be used to fight resistors e.g. the Sudanese were hired
by Lugard to fight kabalega and the Nandi.
Divide and rule method. They encouraged two or more unfriendly societies to remain
enemies and thus could not unite against the imperialists e.g. Buganda and Bunyoro.
They used trading companies to establish their rule. These ensured effective occupation
and the areas they occupied were later claimed by their home governments.
THE BUGANDA AGREEMENT OF 1900
This was signed between Sir Harry John stone and Kabaka Daudi Chwa who was only a
young boy. Negotiations were therefore, conducted by three regents i.e. Zakaria Kizito
Kisingiri, Stanslaus Mugwanya and Apollo Kaggwa who signed on behalf of Daudi
Chwa. It was signed on 10th march 1900 at Mengo.
REASONS FOR THE SIGNING OF THE 1900 BUGANDA AGREEMENT/ WHY WAS
THE BUGANDA AGREEMENT SIGNED?
It was signed between the Kabaka Daudi Chwa’s reagents Apollo kaggwa, Kisingiri and
Stanslaus Mugwanya and Sir Harry John stone the British commissioner.
It was part of the British colonial effort to strengthen their administration in Buganda for
effective occupation. (as per the Berlin conference)
It was aimed at using Buganda as a spring board for the extension of the British rule to
other areas. Later similar treaties were signed in Toro 1900 and Ankole 1901.
It was to define the position of Buganda in Uganda. It was a way of recognizing Buganda
for her role in extending colonial rule to other areas.
It was to confirm that Buganda had submitted to the British rule. This treaty was later
used to claim Buganda.The signing followed the verbal declaration of the British
protectorate over Uganda in 1894.
It aimed at ending the existing political problems and conflicts between Buganda and
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Uganda.
To regulate and define the relationship between Buganda and the entire British colonial
government.
To end Kabalega’s rebellion as it was destabilizing the peace in the region.
To end the threats of the Sudanese mutineers in the North, they always attacked
demanding a lot of money from the British who had hired them in 1897 to help in
fighting kabalega.
It was also signed to find a way of protecting the missionaries in Buganda i.e. to make
Buganda safe for missionary activities.
To set a platform for Buganda/Uganda’s political, social and economic development
The Buganda agreement was also signed to prepare for full exploitation of resources in
Uganda officially.
The Buganda agreement was signed to define the boundaries of Buganda and her
neighbors and solve her conflicts with Bunyoro.
It was to act as a reward Buganda for her support and cooperation in extending colonial
rule. E.g. land that belonged to Bunyoro was given to Buganda (the two lost counties that
is Buyaga and Bugangaizi)
It was to serve as a legal document meant to protect and safe guard the imperialist
interests of the British.
It was signed because the IBEACO had run bankrupt and no longer able to manage
British East Africa on behalf of Britain.
TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT
WHAT WERE THE TERMS/PROVISIONS OF THE BUGANDA AGREEMENT?
The provisions of the agreement covered three main topics that is Land, Government and
Taxation.
It defined the actual boundaries of Buganda and this included the disputed areas taken
from Bunyoro.
Buganda’s land was divided into crown and Mailo land.
Mailo land of 10000 sq miles was to be distributed among the Kabaka and royal family
members, ministers and leading chiefs (roughly half the area of Buganda).
The peasants who settled on this land had to pay rent to the Land lords. The chiefs looked
after land on his behalf.
Then crown land about 9000 sq miles was for the protectorate government for public
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projects. It included lakes, forests, swamps and rocky areas( all natural resources had to be in the hands o
The whole system of land tenure was changed, making it free hold i.e. the property of its
owner rather than depended on the favor of the Kabaka. Chiefs and others had held land
directly from the Kabaka in return for services rendered to him or the holding of some
public office
Administratively, Buganda was to become a province of equal status with other provinces
in the protectorate that is Eastern, Western and Northern provinces.
Buganda became a province within the protectorate but was still recognized as a kingdom
with its own ruler. The others being the Eastern, Northern and Western provinces.
The Kabaka was to rule under close supervision of a British representative and to receive
an annual pay of 1500 dollars.
The Kabaka’s ministers and advisors were recognized in the agreement as the
government of Buganda. They included the three regents, 20 Saza chiefs and 66 other
members of the Lukiiko chosen in the traditional way.
Buganda laws were to remain in use/force as long as they did not conflict with any
protectorate laws.
The Kabaka was to govern through the Lukiiko which would formulate laws.
Cases that involved foreigners were only to be handled by the protectorate government.
Buganda was divided into 20 counties each under a Saza chief including the two lost
counties of buyaga and bugangaizi
The Kabaka was entrusted with the power to appoint chiefs but to be approved by the
protectorate government.
The Kabaka had to be loyal to the protectorate government if he wished to retain his
throne.
Hut and gun tax of 3 rupees was introduced and all men above 18years were to pay a tax
of three rupees.
It was agreed that all revenue collected in Buganda was to go to the protectorate
government.
No taxes would be introduced without approval of the lukiiko and the consent of the
Kabaka.
Membership to the lukiiko totaled to 89 i.e. 60 notables, 20 Saza chiefs, 3 ministers
(regents) and 6 Kabaka nominees.
EXPLAIN THE SIGNIFICANCE/ EFFECTS/ RESULTS OF THE 1900 BUGANDA
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AGREEMENT?
This agreement led to political, social and economic changes as seen below;
It confirmed that Buganda was to remain part of Uganda. Initially Buganda fought to be
independent.
It elevated Buganda and placed her in a special position which led to Buganda’s need to
secede from Uganda.
It confirmed British rule over Buganda and Uganda at large which resulted to loss of
independence till 1962.
It accelerated the signing of other agreements with other regions like Toro in June
1900(with James Miti), Ankole 1901 with Nuwa Mbaguta and Bunyoro in 1903.
It helped in redefining the boundaries of Buganda which comprised of 20 counties
(dividing Buganda into 20 counties).
It led to the distribution of the twenty counties to the different religious ideologies i.e.
Catholics got 8, protestants 10 and Muslims 2.
It led to the introduction of taxes I.e. a tax of three rupees was to be paid by all men
above 18years.
It fuelled conflicts between Buganda and Bunyoro especially after she lost the counties of
buyaga and bugangaizi to Buganda.
It led to a creation of positions in Buganda like the Katikiro (prime minister), Muwanika
(finance minister) and Mulamuzi (chief justice)
The Lukiiko was made more powerful e.g. it was given power to formulate laws, approve
tax etc.
The Kabaka’s powers were reduced/ trimmed like he no longer had power to distribute
land, lost control over his chiefs as they became public servants.
It promoted and encouraged the growth of cash crops like cotton, coffee which was to
enable people pay tax.
It led to a rise of squatters/ landless people (especially after the British protectorate took
over crown land)
It led to loss of Buganda’s independence. The Kabaka became an employee of the
protectorate and could lose his position in case he did not cooperate with the British.
The agreement encouraged other baganda to collaborate with the British like Appolo
kaggwa and Semei Kakungulu.
It led to the exploitation of Uganda’s resources like minerals and forests as a way of
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In 1916 the rail line from Voi reached Moshi to exploit agricultural produce.
In 1921, the line was extended from Nakuru northwards to Eldoret.
In 1923, the line reached Jinja to facilitate the transportation of cotton, coffee, food stuff
and people.
In 1928, the Namasagali line was extended to Tororo which was connected to Eldoret.
This was to collect limestone from tororo.
In the same year, the line was extended from Kenya to Uganda via Tororo from Kisumu.
In 1929, the Soroti line was constructed from Tororo through Mbale to encourage cotton
and coffee growing and transportation of cattle products.
In 1931, the line crossed the Nile to Kampala to transport coffee and other products from
the East.
In 1956, the line had reached kasese (kilembe mines) mainly to transport copper to Jinja
for smelting.
The line to west Nile reached Gulu in 1963.
By 1965, the line had reached Pakwach via Gulu an extension from the Soroti line to pick
coffee, Simsim, cotton etc.
By 1970 the line had reached Arua to transport tobacco, coffee, cotton etc.
N.B compare with Gideon Were.
PROBLEMS FACED DURING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE UGANDA RAILWAY.
They faced lack of enough funds/capital to run the construction, It was initially estimated
at 2 million pounds but eventually it cost about 8 million pounds (poor planning)
There were disagreements within the British parliament about the economic value of the
railway which also delayed the process for about six years.
There was labour shortage. They employed 32000 Indian coolies and 500 clerical staff
which was not adequate.
Similarly, Africans were reluctant to provide labour, the few who volunteered to work did
not go beyond their homeland like the kamba.
The constructors were faced with tropical diseases like malaria, sleeping sickness and
small pox. The latter killed the British, Indians and Africans in 1899.
Similarly, the Indian coolies were attacked by jiggers during the construction which
slowed down the work.
The constructors also faced water shortage e.g. the Nyika plateau was dry and waterless
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It also made possible the export of cash crops especially cotton because of the reliable
means of transport.
The extension of the railway in Uganda led to development feeder roads that linked up
railway stations.
Due to the railway, Uganda and Kenya were opened for exploitation of natural resources
e.g. mining.
It also led to the complete abolition of slave trade and head porterage in East Africa as
goods would now be transported by train.
It led to urbanization along the railway lines like Kampala, Jinja, Kisumu, Nakuru and
Nairobi.
It led to the development of small scale industries/ manufacturing industries in areas like
Jinja, Kampala i.e. cotton ginneries, copper smelting, coffee processing factories.
It led to effective British administration. It enabled them to establish a firmer control over
Uganda and Kenya leading to loss of independence.
It led to the introduction of taxes especially import and export taxes.
It led to the monetization of the economy as the Asians brought rupees and paper money.
It led to loss of land by those African communities that occupied the areas where the
railway line had to pass like the Nandi, Maasai.
The railway facilitated the activities of Christian missionaries which led to the spread of
Christianity.
It confirmed Britain’s effective colonial administration over Kenya and Uganda.
THE EUROPEAN COLONIAL ADMINISTRATION POLICIES IN EAST AFRICA
CASE STUDY; THE BRITISH COLONIAL POLICY IN UGANDA
INDIRECT RULE
This system was popularized/introduced by Captain Fredrick Lugard in his book the dual
mandate who also advocated for its use in British colonies.
This was a system where administration was entrusted to the native chiefs and traditional
rulers. They would pass on orders to traditional rulers who in turn would pass on such
orders to their subjects. By this the British were ruling indirectly. The traditional rulers
were allowed to remain some considerable power like power to collect taxes, preside over
local courts while the British only came in as supervisors.
This system worked well in centralized states like Buganda, Ankole, and Toro etc
This system made use of collaborators like Semei Kakungulu, sir Apollo Kagwa Nuwa
Mbaguta etc
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This system had successfully been used in India, western Kenya and northern Nigeria.
His system eroded African independence without them knowing.
This system was built on the divide and rule principle.
In this system, Africans acted as shock absorbers i.e. the whites were free from threats
and resistances.
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The British wanted to enable Africans to acquire leadership skills and learn better administration.
HOW INDIRECT RULE WORKED:
At the apex of this system, was the secretary for colonies based in London and was the
minister in charge of colonies.
Below him were governors based in the respective colony heading the colonial
administration (in Uganda, Entebbe was the head quarters) and they were answerable to
the colonial secretary.
Below governors were also provincial commissioners heading provinces and these were
answerable to the governors.
Below the provincial commissioners, were district commissioners (they headed districts),
they took orders and worked under his close supervision of the provincial commissioners.
To ease administration, districts were subdivided into counties each under a county chief.
These took orders from district officials.
The county chief was supposed to maintain law and order, collect taxes used to develop
roads, schools and health centers.
Counties were sub-divided into sub counties under the sub county chief. These were
Africans and were answerable to the county chiefs.
Sub counties were also broken into small units called parishes under parish chiefs who
were answerable to sub county chiefs.
Parishes were sub divided into sub parishes under the sub parish chief and these took
orders from the parish chiefs.
The sub parishes were divided into villages under village chiefs
Below sub parish chiefs were village head men heading every village and got orders from
sub parish chiefs. (inquire more)
Under British administration, the Africans featured in the local government while the
whites controlled the central government acting as supervisors.
In areas with no centralized administration, the British created chiefs and a council of
elders to extend their rule.
In the west like Ankole, the British used the Bairu (had no royal blood) to rule over the
Bahima.
To ease administration, the British also set up administrative posts, roads and railway
lines.
EFFECTS/ WEAKNESSES OF INDIRECT RULE IN UGANDA
THE SYSTEM HAD BOTH POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE EFFECTS AS FOLLOWS;
It created a class of ambitious ugandans who pleased the British and neglected their
fellow Africans. E.g. Semei Kakungulu, sir Apollo Kagwa.
It encouraged self centered thinking among Ugandans.
It made some areas to develop secession tendencies like Buganda.
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It created disunity among the people of Uganda especially in terms of hatred, tribalism.
The policy favored Buganda over other areas. This is because she had a developed
kiganda model of administration.
It enabled introduction of new taxes like gun, hut and poll tax.
Under the system, serious education was neglected. Africans were given elementary
education so that they ended up serving only as clerks, secretaries, interpreters to be used
in colonial administration at the expense of technical education.
It created a class of conservative Africans who were against any new ideas. They felt
comfortable under the British and later delayed struggles for independence.
The policy brought religion in the politics of Buganda and Uganda. e.g. Political posts in
Buganda were given according to religion like the katikiro supposed to be a Protestant
plus other big offices.
The policy promoted exploitation of Uganda’s resources. Africans had to grow cash
crops, work on European farms and pay taxes. The African chiefs were used to
implement these economic policies.
The policy made the African rulers unpopular among their subjects who looked at them
as traitors who had sold them to the British.
The policy saved Uganda from becoming a settler colony. This was because Africans
were used cheaply to extend their rule and so there was no need employ the British who
would have also settled in the region.
Indirect rule checked on the spread of Islam as many were influenced to convert to
Christianity.
It enabled acquisition of leadership skills by the Africans.
The kiganda model of administration was spread to other parts of Uganda.
It delayed the attainment of independence by Uganda.
PROBLEMS FACED BY THE BRITISH IN UGANDA
There were many rebellions against the British rule like Nyangire rebellion in Bunyoro
1907, Lamogi rebellion in Acholi 1911-12, Nyabingi rebellion in Ankole.
The British failed to create central authority in East and Northern Uganda which made
their rule weak.
Language barrier due to presence of many languages and therefore, passing orders and
policies was difficult.
Buganda agents used by the British were not loyal to the British like Semei- Kakungulu
had his own interests.
The British involved themselves in religious wars in Buganda between the catholic and
Protestants which created confusion and insecurity in the protectorate.
Diseases like malaria, sleeping sickness killed some of the British officials.
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They lacked proper communication for instance communication from Entebbe to other parts was not easy
They failed to introduce a uniform economic activity in Uganda. For instance the cattle
keepers in Ankole resisted cash crop growing.
They did not understand the geography of Uganda and this made their work difficult.
The cost of administration was also high since they had to pay the chiefs and kings.
The colonial government lacked enough man power especially the trained and skilled
labour.
The growth of nationalism in Uganda was a challenge to them. It led to the formation of
political parties like the Uganda National congress, the Democratic Party and Kabaka
Yekka which opposed British policies and demanded self rule.
Buganda which had cooperated with the British later also turned against them e.g. in
1953 they boycotted non African (Asian) shops the deportation of their king Fredrick
Muteesa. (also known as the kabaka crisis)
There was Sudanese mutiny problem in 1897, in a bid to extend their equatorial province
southwards; they continued to attack northern Uganda.
BRITISH COLONIAL ECONOMIC POLICIES IN EAST AFRICA
Agriculture: here they forced Africans to grow cash crops for them to finance their costs
of administration. They introduced cotton, coffee and tea which also fed their industries.
Taxation: they introduced a hut tax of three rupees.
Industrialization: they set up simple processing plants such as cotton ginneries but
neglected serious industrialization.
Forced labour: they forced Africans to provide man power on their plantations, during
construction of roads and railways.
Land alienation: here Africans were chased from their own land and occupied by the
white settlers like in the Kenyan highlands.
Transport: here murram roads were built. The railway was extended from Mombasa to
Kampala in 1931. Water transport was also improved upon by introducing a steamer on
Lake Victoria to connect Kampala to port bell.
Education: they built schools like Gayaza high in 1905, Kings College Buddo 1906,
Namilyango College 1902, Ngora high school 1904, SMACK 1908.
Health: in the field of health, several health centers and hospitals were set up like
Nsambya hospital, Mengo hospital.
They introduced a currency system to replace barter system like use Indian rupees and
then coins.
Urbanization: the protectorate government developed trading centers, towns along the
railway lines like Mombasa, Nakuru, Nairobi and Kisumu in Kenya while in Uganda they
include Kampala, Jinja, and Tororo.
HOW GERMAN ESTABLISHED HER RULE IN TANGANYIKA.
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They majorly used force e.g.to defeat the Hehe, Abushiri, maji-maji rebellions after which they establishe
The Germans also used explorers e.g. Jacob Erhardt who drew a sketch map of East
Africa, David Livingstone who reported about the evil of slave trade in Tanganyika not
forgetting his reports about areas with economic resources.
They signed treaties with chiefs e.g. Carl Peters signed treaties with chiefs from Usagara,
Usambara etc which were used to occupy areas later.
They also used collaborators e.g. chief Marere of Sangu helped them to defeat Mkwawa
of the Hehe, the Arabs in unyanyembe to defeat chief Isike.
They ruled through agents called Akidas and Jumbes. The Jumbes were headmen or
leaders of clans or small groups. A number of Jumbes were under the authority of an
Akida. The Akidas were Arabs or Swahilis and they always treated the people badly.
The Germans used intimidation and threats to perpetuate their rule. They always treated
the resistors badly e.g. chief Mkwawa even after killing himself, was beheaded and the
head sent to Berlin, Meli a Chagga and son of chief Mandara was captured and hanged
and this made the Chagga to give up.
They used the traders to extend their rule. Carl Peters and his company signed treaties
that helped later, he built roads, he provided man power hence preparing Tanganyika for
Germany rule.
They developed communication network which helped them to extend their rule e.g. in
1891 a railway line was built to connect the coast to Tanganyika.
They just like the British used Christian missionaries to consolidate their rule. They
preached, softened and weakened the hearts of Africans making it very easy to take over
Tanganyika later.
THE GERMAN COLONIAL POLICY IN TANGANYIKA
German rule started in January 1891when they took full control of Tanganyika from the
GEACO and they used direct rule.
DIRECT RULE:
Under this system, the Germans themselves administered the Africans i.e. they directly
controlled Tanganyika.
It was started and popularized by Carl Peters
They also created chiefs where they did not exist.
It denied local chiefs powers which were given to the Akidas and Jumbes.
It was full of dictatorship which was greeted with several rebellions.
The system was started and popularized by Carl Peters.
WHY DID THEY APPLY DIRECT RULE?
It was a system of administration where the Germans themselves administered the
Africans.
In direct rule traditional chiefs lost their political power which was given to German
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It contributed to the growth of nationalism as masses organized themselves into revolutionary movements
The system generally led to loss of independence among Africans i.e. the Akidas and
Jumbes took over.
It made many Africans/ chiefs to be denied their powers as it was given to the Akidas and
Jumbes.
Many people lost their lives and property in the course of imposing German rule and
quelling rebellions.
Famine broke out in Tanganyika as the Africans were forced to grow cash crops and
scorched earth policy
The Germans developed infrastructures though it was to aid exploitation of resources.
Africans suffered forced labour with little or no pay on cotton plantations of the Germans.
Those Africans who were loyal to German rule were appointed Akidas.
They forced Africans to grow cotton which angered the Africans.
There was loss of land by the Africans for the Germans to set up plantations.
Many Africans chiefs inclusive were flogged and humiliated in public by the Jumbes and
Akidas.
It led to erosion of African cultures and customs. Women were raped, shrines destroyed.
(Young men got asylum when they slept with their chief’s wife).
They introduced a heavy tax of 3 rupees yet the way of collection was equally harsh and
this was not received well by the Africans.
There was outbreak of famine due to wars and unsettled life.
Western culture and civilization was promoted by construction schools and churches.
WHAT CHANGES DID THE BRITISH INTRODUCE IN THE ADMINISTRATION
OF TANGANYIKA BETWEEN 1919 AND 1939? (EFFECTS OF INDIRECT RULE IN
TANGANYIKA)
The British took over Tanganyika in 1919 as a mandated territory. This was after
Germany had lost world war1 and was forced to surrender all her colonies including
Tanganyika to the League of Nations, which mandated Britain to administer the area on
her behalf. The British then established a new administration and made the following
changes;
Britain appointed a new first British governor sir Horace Byatt who was to be assisted by
four members of the executive.
In his administration, Byatt retained the Akidas, Jumbes and generally the whole German
administration.
The British were faced with the challenge of reviving the damaged economy.
British governor sir Horace Byatt was later accused of failure to recover the economy and
close the gap created by the Germans between the rulers and ruled.
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Governor Sir Horace Byatt was therefore, replaced with a new governor, Donald Cameron in 1925.
Cameron started by instituting indirect rule to close the gap between the people of
Tanganyika and the government.
He also established the Native authority ordinance in 1926.
Africans were empowered to collect taxes, carry out some administrative duties including
administering justice.
Also in 1926, the Tanganyika legislative council was established by Cameron comprising
of 13 officials and 7 unofficial members.
With this, settlers were to be represented on the legislative council while Africans were
limited to the local council (they were to participate in politics at the lower level)
To win African support, Cameron gave them land that previously belonged to the settlers.
In his administration, Europeans were denied chance to buy land for large estates.
Cameron encouraged Africans to grow cash crops on their shambas e.g. Arabica coffee,
cotton to improve their standards of living.
Taxation was also introduced in Tanganyika to enable the British meet the cost of
administration.
Transport was developed e.g. roads and railways to connect to productive areas.
The mining industry was also developed at Geita, Musoma and Mwansa districts where
gold deposits were exploited.
Education was encouraged a schools were set up to teach Africans.
Ex-service men were resettled and their grievances looked into, like giving them land.
Slavery and slave trade that had persisted in Tanganyika was finally brought to an end by
1922.
AFRICAN RESPONSE/REACTION TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF COLONIAL
RULE
The Africans in response to colonial rule reacted in two major ways i.e. collaboration and
resistance.
The major collaborators included Semei Kakungulu, Apollo Kaggwa, Laibon Lenana of
the Maasai, Nuwa Mbaguta, Nabongo Sakwa Mumia of Wanga, and omukama kasagama
of Toro etc.
The resistors included Kabalega, the Nandi of Kenya, and Mwanga etc
However, there are some people who never resisted from the very beginning but when
they realized that the white man had actually come to stay, they later resisted. They are
referred to as secondary resistors and they included chief Mkwawa of the Hehe, Abushiri
resistance at the coast, Maji- Maji rebellion, Mau Mau rebellion.
WHY THEY CHOSE TO COLLABORATE WITH THE COLONIALISTS
These were Africans who chose to ally with the Europeans
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The collaborators were the maasai led by laibon lenana, wanga under nabongo Sakwa, Buganda under Mu
The reasons for their collaboration were political, social and economic.
They admired change in terms of civilization, modernity and Christianity like Muteesa 1
of Buganda hence collaboration.
Others collaborated because they wanted to preserve their independence. They thought
that by collaborating they would be left t rule themselves.
Some societies had been hit by natural disasters like famine, disease, drought and there
were too weak to stage a resistance against the colonialists hence collaboration like the
kikuyu, Chagga, Maasai etc.
The military strength/might of the colonial powers also made them collaborate.
The missionary activities in East Africa influenced many societies to collaborate. They
had weakened and softened the minds and hearts of the Africans and also converted
many.
Some Africans were opportunists who expected to gain materially and promote their
personal interests like Semei Kakungulu, Apollo Kagwa etc
Others did it out of ignorance thinking that the Europeans were here as visitors and for a
short time.
They collaborated because of the peaceful methods used by the colonialist like treaty
signing.
Others collaborated because the white man had come to stop slave trade which had
caused a lot of misery in their midst.
To get military support to be used to defeat their enemies e.g. Toro and Buganda co-
operated with the British to defeat Bunyoro.
Some societies collaborated because their immediate rivals had chosen to resist. For
instance, when Bunyoro resisted, Toro and Buganda collaborated; the Maasai
collaborated because the Nandi had resisted. (They wished to see their rival crushed.)
Effects of their collaboration in uganda
It led to los of independence of uganda.
It led to influx of Europeans into uganda.
It led extension of british rule to other parts of Uganda.
It led to the defeat and capture of resistors like Mwanga, kabalega forinstance with the
help of semei kakungulu.
It led to loss of power and authority by Uganda chiefs.
It led to the establishment of the indirect system of administration in Uganda.
It led to exploitation of resources by the Europeans.
It led to promotion of cash crop growing in Uganda like cotton, coffee etc
It led to introduction of formal education in Uganda.
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bukedi was taken over by a British officer. He moved to Nambumali /Mbale which was also taken over in
He did not give up his ambition, in 1906, he successively took over Busoga and as a
reward he was appointed President of Busoga lukiiko.
While there he founded the post of kyabazinga (paramount chief of Busoga and he
crowned himself the first kyabazinga of Busoga.
But in 1913, he was removed from office and taken back to bukedi as Saza chief.
Feeling disappointed, he rebelled against the british and became involved in a religious
sect, the abamalaki (the society of almighty God) which rejected missionary preaching
and western medicine and demanded a return to the ways of the past. But this only lost
him prestige and respect he had enjoyed among the British,
As a collaborator, he carried out a number of reforms that made him a darling of the
British e.g. he built administrative posts in Budaka and Mbale which the British used as
military bases later.
Kakungulu also constructed roads in bugisu like the bubulo-nabumali road and in busoga,
the iganga-budaka road.
He encouraged the basoga to grow cotton and the bagisu to grow coffee.
He encouraged the planting of mivule trees and mangoes in eastern Uganda.
He introduced the kiganda way of administration in all areas he conquered which was in
line with indirect rule (involved dividing the area into counties (saza), sub counties
(gombolola), parishes (muluka).
In the health sector, he established Budaka dispensary.
Through his efforts, the railway was extended to Eastern Uganda to get cotton and coffee.
In 1923, the colonial government ended his activities on a retirement package of 3000
dollars.
In 1929, he passed on and was buried in Mbale without realizing his dream of curving out
for himself a great empire.
WHY DID KAKUNGULU COLLABORATE WITH THE BRITISH?
He was born around 1870 at Kooki and grew up as a page at the kabaka’s palace.
He also served in the royal army of Buganda where he left a amark as a good fighter.
His first posting as the in charge of the northern area gave him the first taste of power and
created an impetus in him to conquer and rule other areas hence collaboration.
His interactions with the missionaries influenced him to collaborate. He believed they
would help him achieve his goals/ ambitions.
He wished to use his British connection to extend Buganda’s influence to other regions.
This explains why wherever he captured; he would introduce the buganda way of
administration. (dividing it into counties, subcounties and parishes)
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He was an opportunist who expected material rewards from the British as a result of collaboration possibl
Having failed to get a position in the Buganda government, he could have felt
disappointed/ frustrated making him to collaborate. (he had failed to obtain the office of
Katikiro)
He had insatiable ambition for power and leadership which may have forced him to
collaborate. E.g. he at one point crowned himself kyabazinga of Busoga to satisfy
ambitions.
Because of his lowly origins, he wished to earn himself fame and recognition.
He believed that the surest way to protect buganda from her enemies like Bunyoro was
by collaborating with the british.
It was part of indirect rule system to look for shrewd and brave Africans thus kakungulu
unknowingly availed hiself.
His administrative abilities also brought him close to the british since they wished to
exploit it for their own benefits.
Kakungulu may have collaborated out of ignorance only to be used by the british as a tool
in extending colonial rule.
However, in 1929, he died a disappointed man after failing to realize his dream of
creating an empire of his own.
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However, he also conflicted with the British because he was protecting the lukiiko and Buganda’s traditio
In 1926, he resigned and died on 21st 1927 Feb. He fell sick in Nairobi on his way to
London to complain to the colonial secretary.
LAIBON LENANA OF THE MAASAI (they can be branded secondary collaborators
because they tried to resist but gave in later)
Following the death of Laibon Mbatien, there was a conflict between his sons Sendeyo
and Lenana over succession.
As a result, there was a split of the Maasai into two; sendeyo’s group that moved to
northern TZ and Lenana’s group that stayed in Kenya.
Laibon Lenana in his rule faced a number of challenges ranging from attacks from
Sendeyo’s group, from the kikuyu, famine, disease etc.
Under these circumstances, Laibon approached the British for assistance to get out of his
problems.
They agreed to cooperate and even allowed the railway line to pass through their land
uninterrupted.
From then, Lenana’s warriors called Moran punished those who refused to cooperated
with the British.
The Maasai also helped the British to defeat other tribes like kikuyu and Nandi and their
cattle raided.
Laibon Lenana became fame and got a lot of cattle as appreciation for his support and
turned to be paramount chief of Maasai.
But this friendship did not last long, it all changed when Francis Hall the British agent
left and replaced by Charles Eliot.
The Maasai no longer being a threat, Charles Eliot planned to give their land to the
Europeans.
In 1904, the first agreement was signed with the Maasai. The outcome was that they were
put in two reserves i.e. South of Ngong hill and others in Laikpie
Another agreement was signed was signed in 1911 and the Maasai had to move south to
Ngong and Laikpie.
Lenana died in 1911 and the Maasai were to move to the southern reserve.
NUWA MBAGUTA OF ANKOLE
He was born around 1867 and spent his life at the Omugabe Ntare IV’s court, having lost
all his parents.
He worked as a page at the king’s court.
History has it that he was courageous enough to enter Omugabe’s bed room and due to
this he was praised since the bed room was respected and feared.
He was also a wrestler and this made him to be liked by the Omugabe and later joined the
Omugabe’s army.
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On the arrival of the British, he cooperated with them and this earned him more fame.
He participated in the signing of the 1894 agreement of friendship and protection on
behalf of Ntare IV.
He encouraged the construction of roads especially that which connected Ankole to Toro
which made the work of sir Harry John Stone( the british commissioner) easy.
He was in 1900 appointed the prime minister of Ankole a creation of Sir Harry John
Stone.
He reached another treaty with the British in 1901 where the British promised to protect
Ankole against Bunyoro.
Because of her collaboration, Ankole enjoyed some form of independence. Ankole was
also given territories like Mpororo, Igara, Buziba and Buhweju.
He encouraged the growth of cash crops like coffee and cotton.
He retired from duties in 1938 and died in 1944.
Nabongo Mumia of Wanga (RESEARCH)
RESISTANCE TO COLONIAL RULE
Resistance was where African societies/ individuals refused to cooperate with the
colonialists in extending colonial rule. Resistance was in two forms namely primary and
secondary resistance.
Resistance in Africa was classified into two that is primary and secondary resistance.
Primary resistances comprised those African individuals or groups that opposed
Europeans as they first stepped in Africa like Kabalega. While secondary resistance
comprised those African individuals or groups that opposed after realizing/
tasting/experiencing their oppressive policies forinstance Mwanga.
Case studies;
Kabaka Mwanga of Buganda
Omukama Kabalega of Bunyoro
Chief Awich of Payera
Chief Mukwawa of the Hehe
The Maji-Maji rebellion
The Abushiri resistance
The Nandi resistance
The mau-mau Rebellion
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Lack of fighting skills among African societies led to their defeat since they had not experienced or fough
The divide and rule policy used by the Europeans which took advantage of the existing
local rivalries.
The use of force by the colonialists in quelling revolts scared Africans further.
The arrest and killing of most ring leaders like chief Mkwawa of Hehe who was
beheaded demoralized most African fighters.
The reliance on false traditional beliefs as a method of fighting led to their defeat e.g. the
people of Tanganyika who believed in the magic water which did not work.
Religious divisions instituted by the missionaries weakened the spirit of togetherness and
nationalism like in buganda and Uganda at large.
Natural calamities like famine, drought and epidemic disease also worked against most
African resistances.
It was the age of scramble and partition and this increased European determination to
take control of East Africa.
The impact of slave trade especially on southern communities of Tanganyika
disorganized and weakened Africans leading to their failure to resist colonialists.
CASE STUDIES OF RESISTANCES
KABAKA MWANGA OF BUGANDA
Mwanga was born to kabaka Mutesa1 of Buganda in around 1866. He got to power at the
age of 18 following his father’s death on 24th October 1884.
In his rule he faced the challenge of managing four religious groups in Buganda i.e.
catholics, protestants, Muslims and traditionalists.
Notably, Mwanga was young and inexperienced and so failed to manage the pressure
coming from the four religious groups. ( his father had managed them well). He was also
disturbed by the Kabalega who was determined to revive bunyoro’s glory at the expense
of her neighbors.
At the same time, he was threatened by the advent of European powers who the Muslims
had warned him against.
His position became more threatened when most of his people started converting into
Christianity.
In january1885, Mwanga ordered the killing of three CMS missionaries and November
1885, he ordered the killing of bishop Hannington in Busoga. (This was a fight against
Christianity).
Similarly, in 1886 3rd June, thirty Christians were burnt at Namugongo for refusing to
denounce their new found faith.
In 1888, Mwanga planned to capture all Christians and Muslims and starve them to death
but his plans were discovered.
Therefore, in October, 1888, the Muslims and Christians combined and deposed kabaka
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Mwanga.
Mwanga was then replaced by his brother Kiwewa. The Muslims then wanted him to
circumcise and convert to Islam but in vain.
Having refused to convert, kiwewa’s rule did not last, he was deposed and he fled to
Ankole with some Christians.
Kiwewa was then replaced by his brother Kalema who had accepted Islam and was
named Rashid.
The Christians then allied with Mwanga and in 1889; they managed to reinstate Mwanga
to power while Kalema fled to Bunyoro.
On 30th April 1890, a treaty was signed between Mwanga and Fredrick Jackson for
protection.
In the same year he converted to Christianity and was given the name Daniel, mainly
siding with the catholics and giving them positions in his government.
However, Mwanga continued to face challenges when the famous W’ingleza-W’afransa
wars or religious wars broke out in Buganda.
This conflict arose when allegedly a protestant was killed by a catholic in Kampala hence
various killings between the two groups.
During the conflict, Capt. F Lugard armed the Protestants with 500 guns hence defeat of
catholics and Mwanga who fled to Buddu (Masaka). The British accused the catholics for
aiding Mwanga against them.
But in 1893 Mwanga was called back and through the efforts of sir Gerald Portal, a treaty
was signed with Mwanga. Positions in Buganda were then divided equally among the
protestants and catholics.
In 1897, Mwanga staged a resistance against the British in abid to regain his powers over
land and collection of tributes but was defeated. (he fled and surrendered to the Germans
in Tanganyika)
The British then proclaimed his one-year-old son Daudi Chwa as Kabaka assisted by
three ministers.
Still determined, in 1898 Mwanga joined Kabalega in Lango to proceed with his fight
against the British.
But the two were captured by Kakungulu together with the British around Lake Kyoga in
1899.
The two were exiled to Seychelles islands in the Indian Ocean where Mwanga died on 8th
may 1903.
OMUKAMA KABALEGA OF BUNYORO
He was born in 1850 to omukama Kamurasi and spent his early years in bulega where he
acquired his name Kabalega (kaana ka bulega)
He came to power around1870 after the death of his father and also after defeating his
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He encouraged the growth and storage of food which enabled Bunyoro to resist for long since famine did
Unity among the Banyoro enabled his resistance to last for long. He always reminded the
Banyoro of the baganda threat. He also ensured unity by destroying all social classes.
He was a man of boundless energy and courage and therefore, never gave up his mission
of preserving the independence of his kingdom thus he fought until he was captured and
exiled.
WHY HE WAS FINALLY DEFEATED
Although Kabalega was able to stage a resistance for a long time, he was finally defeated
due to;
Kabalega fought on many fronts with many enemies who included the baganda, British,
Nubians and batoro.
The prolonged war against colonial rule also ended up weakening the army and the
people of Bunyoro.
With time there was a problem of food because the Banyoro highly depended on annual
crops like beans, potatoes, cassava which by nature could not sustain the war for long.
He lacked enough superior weapons as the guns obtained from the slave traders could not
compete with the deadly maxim guns used by the british.
Kabalega was also defeated because he fought single handedly as other Africans did not
help him but helped the enemy. i.e. disunity among African kingdoms therefore led to his
defeat.
The determination of the british also led to his defeat. They were prepared and anxious to
conquer the whole of Uganda including Bunyoro.
Bunyoro lacked natural defensive barriers like lakes, hills, thick forests that would act as
hide outs during the war.
The British had a large army that consisted of the Ganda, Sudanese, Indian mercenaries
in addition to the Europeans. He was therefore bound to lose.
Economically, Bunyoro was poor to support the protracted war against a stronger british.
The use of divide and rule tactics by the british weakened the resistance. It made the
baganda side with the british against Bunyoro.
Kabalega’s ambitious expansion policy also made him lose out on local support since he
terrorized the region a lot.
CHIEF AWICH OF PAYERA ACHOLI DISTRICT;
He came to power following the death of his father chief Camo.
He came to power when the British colonialists were extending their influence to the
northern region.
Chief Awich always raided his neighbours like the Paibona and this brought him into
direct conflict with the British commissioner major Delme Radcliffe at Nimule.
Major Delme tried to persuade him to stop his activities but in vain. He then tried to
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