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Buganda Agreement (1955)

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The Buganda Agreement, 1955 was made on October 18, 1955 between Andrew Cohen, the governor of the Uganda Protectorate, and Mutesa II, Kabaka of Buganda.[1] The agreement facilitated the Mutesa II's return as a constitutional monarch, ending the "Kabaka Crisis" that began when the Kabaka was exiled to England by Cohen in 1953.[2] The 1900 Buganda agreement signed by Sir Henry Johnston was modified by this 1955 treaty.[3] Signatures of the Kabaka, the Governor, and other witnesses appear at the end of the treaty.[3]

Origin

During the years from 1953-1955, there was major unrest and discontent in Buganda as a result of a proposition made by the Secretary of State for the Colonies in a speech he gave in London.[4] The Secretary of state had called for an East African Federation which would see the unification of the East African states.[4] The Baganda people, who always valued their autonomy and Independence where alarmed by this news. They felt that such a move would result in the integration of different cultures which would ultimately destroy and engulf their own cherished culture and way of life.[4] This therefore resulted in strong protests by both the Buganda parliament (Lukiiko) and their Kabaka/King. They also started losing confidence in the colonial government and the way they administered the undertakings of their kingdom.[4] As a result, a majority of the Baganda started demanding for the separation of Buganda from the rest of Uganda.[4] Sir Andrew Cohen, the British appointed governor at the time, attempted to calm down the protests by assuring the Baganda that there was no reason for concern,that no decision pertaining to the formation of an East African federation will be made without consulting the Baganda.[5] He also assured them that any future developments on the matter would take local public opinion fully into account.[6] This news served to calm the Baganda down but did not cease their demand for a separation of Buganda from the rest Uganda.[4] The Governor however was not ready to adhere to their claims.This is because the separation of Buganda from the rest of Uganda would set it apart from other territories, a move that would violate the 1900 Buganda agreement which called for Buganda to be on an equal footing with other Ugandan territories.[4] It would also violate the provisions of the joint declaration of 1953.[6] The Kabaka was however determined and with the support of the Lukiiko and other neighboring Kingdoms, continued pushing forward his demands for a separate Buganda state.[6] Despite Kabaka’s persistence, the British government refused to honor his demands.[4] This led to a political deadlock.[4]

Due to the political impasse, the Governor decided to invoke the 1900 Buganda Agreement and demanded that the Kabaka accept British government policy.[4] In particular, he demanded that the Kabaka assure him that he would not oppose the British government decision to develop Uganda as a unitary state, or on their decision concerning the formation of an East African federation.[6] The Kabaka, knowing that such a decision on his part would betray his kinsmen, refused to adhere to the demands of the Governor.[4] As a result, Governor Cohen signed a declaration withdrawing British recognition of Kabaka Mutesa II as Buganda's native ruler under clause 6 of the 1900 Buganda agreement.[4] After signing the declaration, the Governor was fearful that this action will incite violent protest by the Baganda.[6] He therefore proceeded to declare a state of emergency and swiftly deported Kabaka Mutesa to Britain under custody.[6] News about Kabaka Mutesa's deportation,severely shocked The Baganda leading to a full blown constitutional crisis.[4] The British protectorate then demanded that the Lukiiko or parliament elect a new Kabaka.[6] However the Kings supporters claimed that such a thing was unthinkable. They refused to elect a new Kabaka instead opting to start a very vigorous campaign to restore Kabaka Mutesa to power.[4] Eventually new negotiations took place between the Governor and a constitutional committee selected by the Lukiiko with Sir Keith Hancock acting as the mediator.[4] This led to the formation of the 1955 Buganda agreement.[4]

See also

References

  1. ^ "The Buganda Agreement, 1955". World Digital Library. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
  2. ^ Assa Okoth (2006). A History of Africa. East African Educational Publishers. p. 66. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
  3. ^ a b "The Buganda Agreement, 1955". World Digital Library. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "Background to 1953-55 Crisis". Mukasa E. Ssemakula. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
  5. ^ Low, [by] D.A. (1971). Buganda in modern history. Berkeley: University of California Press. p. 109. ISBN 0520016408.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g Low, [by] D.A. (1971). Buganda in modern history. Berkeley: University of California Press. pp. 109–114. ISBN 0520016408.
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