Factors that contributed to the delay of Uganda’s Independence

Several factors contributed to the delay of Uganda’s independence from British colonial rule:

Divide and Rule Policy: British prevented formation united nationalistic movements of Ugandans by promoting ethnic and religious divisions. It also favored certain groups, particularly Baganda which created resentment from other ethnic groups.  

Lack of National Unity: Unlike in Kenya, Uganda did not have widespread national issues that could unite the people against the colonial rulers. Also, Uganda’s diverse ethnic landscape made it difficult to form a cohesive national movement.

Economic Factors: Many Ugandans were economically disadvantaged, which hindered the formation of political parties and movements.

Preoccupation with Agriculture: The colonial economy focused on cash crops, keeping many Ugandans preoccupied with their livelihoods and less focused on political activism.

Banning of Political Parties: The colonial government banned political parties and arrested nationalist leaders, thereby stifling political activism.

State of Emergency: The declaration of a state of emergency in response to the Mau Mau Rebellion in neighboring Kenya also affected Uganda.

Illiteracy and Lack of Education: Many Ugandans were illiterate and lacked formal education, which limited their political awareness and limited exposure to to global freedom movements, which delayed the rise of nationalism.

Traditional Leadership Opposition: For fear of change, traditional leaders especially in Buganda opposed formation of political parties, viewing them a threat to their authority.

Religious Rivalries: Religious rivalries, particularly between Protestants and Catholics, further divided the population and hindered unity.

Lack of a national language: lack of a widely spoken national language hindered the rise and spread of nationalistic ideologies.

Censorship of the press: this and the widespread illiteracy limited spread of nationalistic propaganda. For instance, the local press in Buganda could not be read beyond Busoga.

Employment of educated elites in civil service: This not only enabled the British to appease them but also to monitor their activities.

Buganda agreement of the 1900: This created a divide between Bunyoro and Buganda due to the two contested counties. Consequently, a unified movement between these two major ethnic groups was impossible.

These factors collectively contributed to the delay in Uganda’s independence, making the struggle for self-governance a complex and prolonged process.

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Thanks

Dr. Bbosa Science