Causes and consequences of the 1966 Kabaka Crisisin Uganda

Kabaka /Mengo Crisis of 1966

It was a political turmoil in Buganda, Uganda caused by disagreements between the Prime minister Apollo Militon Obote and the President of Uganda Sir Edward Mutesa culminating in the dismissal of the President and abolition of the Buganda Kingdom under the 1967 Constitution.

Causes of the 1966 Kabaka Crisis

1. The question of the lost counties: Buyaga and Bugangaizi counties were awarded to Buganda yet they were initially belonged to Bunyoro. The refusal Buganda to return the counties to Bunyoro and eventual loss of the referendum on the issue in 1964 caused rivalry between Obote and Kabaka fueling the crisis.
2. Kabaka’s attitude towards obote: Kabaka despised Obote and this is revealed in his book  “The discretion of my Kingdom”. Kabaka who was royal could not respect Obote an Ordinary man as a Prime Minister.  This aspect of despising contributed to the 1966 crisis.
3. Conspiracies among various leaders: For example, that among Grace Ibingira, Dr. Lume, Ochieng and Kakonge.
4. Gold scandal: In 1965 Obote, Amini Dada and his colleagues were alleged to have illegally profited off of gold, ivory, and cash originating from Congo. The call for investigation was frustrated by Obote while the Kabaka wanted open parliamentary debate about, and this could have prompted Amin to attack the Lubiri.
5. The Question of the Head of State: The 1962 established the Cultural leaders as the only Presidents in Uganda after removing the Queen of England and this was opposed by Obote. And it could have been one of cause of crisis.
6. The massive purchase of firearms by Mutesa II: This threatened and provoke the central government to attack the Lubiri where the arms are purportedly stored.
7. The nature of 1962 independent constitution. For instance, it prohibited the National Assembly from making laws for peace, order or good governance in federal states in all matters and this was seen by Obote as limiting the powers of the central government. It constitution also provided for two political systems i.e. federal and unitary systems that caused confusion since Obote preferred to turn Uganda into a republic country. Hence it could have been the cause of the crisis.
8. Rejection of the 1966 constitution by Buganda: The Lukiko rejected this constitution and demanded central government to vacate Buganda. This annoyed and provoked the central government to attack Mengo.
9. The rise of Amin as the commander of the army: Amin was fearless and courageous and had little feeling for Mengo establishment for having exposed him in the gold scandal. He thus revenged on the Mengo establishment by attacking it in 1966.
10. The shooting of investigative team that was sent to find out on the number of guns in Lubiri. This sparked off the crisis between the central government and the Buganda government leading to overthrow of the Kabaka and the President of Uganda.

 Consequences of the 1966 Kabaka Crisis

Political Instability: Prime Minister Milton Obote suspended the 1962 constitution and assumed dictatorial powers through a decree. The posts of vice president and president were abolished, and the Kabaka (King) of Buganda, Sir Edward Mutesa II, was dismissed. The federal government and kingdoms were abolished and Obote declared Uganda a republic country. There was also declaration of state of emergency.

Human right abuses: this included illegal detention and mishandling of people and very many innocent people, soldiers and policemen died.

 Exile of the Kabaka: Sir Edward Mutesa II was deported to London, where he stayed for two years.

Strained Relations: The crisis strained relations between Buganda and the central government, leading to further political and social tensions.

International Relations: Relations between Britain and Buganda were also affected, as the British felt insecure about the situation.

Growth of Nationalism: The crisis contributed to the growth of nationalism in Uganda, as people rallied against the centralization of power.

New Constitution: A new constitution, known as the “pigeonhole” constitution, was introduced and passed hastily.

Formation of New Political Parties: The crisis led to the formation of new political parties aimed at restoring the Kabaka’s authority. Demonstrations and trade boycotts were organized in Buganda to protest the central government’s actions.

It introduced military takeover of power. And little wonder many coups followed this one such as that of Amin in1971and that of Museven 1986

The independence of the Judiciary was undermined: Since the Judiciary failed to preside of many cases resulting from this crisis.

The Kabaka Crisis of 1966 was a turning point in Uganda’s political history, leading to significant changes in the country’s governance and contributing to the broader struggle for independence and self-determination.

Please obtain free notes, exams and marking guides of Physics, chemistry, biology, history, economics, geography … from digitalteachers.co.ug website.

Thanks

Dr. Bbosa Science