Causes/Events and consequences of Kabaka’s Crisis of 1953-55

Causes of Kabaka’s Crisis 1953-55

1. Lytteltons’ speech in June 1953: Oliver Lyttelton, the Secretary of State for the Colonies, mentioned the possibility of an East African Federation, alarming the Baganda.
2. Protest of Kabaka: Fearing loss of autonomy, the Baganda, opposed the federation and demanded for Independence of Buganda and Uganda as whole.
3. Threats and ultimatums issued by Cohen to the Kabaka: For Cohen said that his continued demands for independence breached the 1900 Buganda Agreement and also Cohen gave Kabaka 5weeks to reconsider his position and this fueled the conflict between Baganda and British colonial rule.
4. Withdraw of Kabaka as a legitimate leader of Buganda by Cohen.  On 30^th Nov. 1953 Cohen wrote to Kabaka confirming withdraw of his recognition as legitimate leader of Buganda.
5. Declaration of state of Emergency in Uganda by Cohen: In fear of protest from Baganda Cohen declared a state of emergency but this served to fuel the crisis
6. Deportation of Kabaka: Continued demands of Buganda for independence and Failure of Kabaka to comply with the Buganda Agreement caused his deportation by Governor Cohen to UK. This caused shock and fear among Baganda and sparked off demonstrations all over and boycotts of Governor’s activities within Buganda that constituted the Kabaka Crisis.
7. Rise of new political parties during this period: The new political movements strongly opposed East African Federation. For example, Uganda National Congress (UNC) in 1953.
8. Religious conflicts within Uganda: these included those between Protestants and Catholics and between Christians and Muslims. The siding of colonial administration with Christians caused confusion and fueled the tension between Buganda and the British.
9. The transfer of nomination of Buganda chiefs from Kabaka to LEGCO: it angered Kabaka and fueled the Kabaka Crisis.
10. Desire by the Kabaka to revise the 1900 Buganda Agreement: Of course, the agreement limited Kabaka’s power to perfume his duties as it was formerly.
11. Kabaka Mutesa’s failure to cooperate with the colonialists encouraged the crisis. For instance, the Kabaka failed to cooperate with tax collections as stipulated in the 1900 Agreement.
12. The rising sense of superiority among the Baganda: Baganda felt superior to other Uganda and the British leading to reduced cooperation with the British and hence, the crisis.

Consequences of Kabaka Crisis (1953 – 55)

1.      Namirembe Conference: A committee led by Sir Keith Hancock was formed to resolve the crisis. And lead to the signing of Namirembe Agreement or 1955 Buganda Agreement.

2.      It promoted the growth of nationalism in Uganda: Most Kingdoms supported Buganda and it chiefs and this led to the demand for independence.

3.      It led to reduction of powers of the Kabaka. This laid foundation to the later 1966 Kabaka crisis.

4.      It increased the popularity of Kabaka in Uganda: This was because Kabaka Mutesa II never betrayed his subjects even when he was to be exiled. This inspired the formation of Kabaka Yekka (KY) political party.

5.      It led to increased employment of Africans in colonial government. This was one of the terms in Namirembe Agreement.

6.      It reinstituted Buganda as a constitutional Monarchy: and cemented its being part of greater Uganda.

7.      It led to introduction ad ministerial system of leadership comprising of five Africans, 1 European and 1 Asian.

8.      It undermined and terminated the 1900 agreement due to the signing of 1954 Uganda Agreement

9.      It reintroduced demonstrations, anger and discontent in Uganda’s politics since the Bataka and peasant riots of 1922 -1940.

10.  It introduced militarism and radicalization of Uganda’s politics. For example, the UNC party boycotted the British and Asian goods while the British stationed troops around Kabaka’s Palace.

11.  It led to the formation of new political parties: for example, Democratic Party in 1954 and Progressive Party in 1955 that demanded for the return of Kabaka and Uganda’s Independence.

12.  It led to exile of some Key Political activists. For example, Ignatius Musaazi tp Sudan.

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Thanks

Dr. Bbosa Science