What to Know about the History of Uganda

Uganda before Colonial rule

Long before colonial rule, Uganda was home to organised kingdoms and chiefdoms. In the south, the Bantu-speaking peoples established centralised kingdoms, with Bunyoro-Kitara being the most prominent. Later, Bunyoro rose to power between the 15th and 18th centuries, but by the 19th century, Buganda had expanded and eclipsed Bunyoro. Meanwhile, the northern areas were inhabited by more decentralised Nilotic and Sudanic communities. These diverse societies – from the kingdom of Buganda with its Kabaka (king) to the northern clan-based groups – laid the cultural foundation of modern Uganda. Visitors today can learn about this era at the Uganda Museum in Kampala, which displays artefacts from these early kingdoms (such as royal regalia, traditional weapons, and musical instruments) that reflect a rich pre-colonial heritage. Consider cultural sites such as the Kasubi Tombs (the royal tombs of Buganda and a UNESCO World Heritage Site), which also offer insight into the legacy of these kingdoms.

Uganda in the Colonial times

Uganda’s first direct contact with non-Africans happened in the 19th century. Arab traders from the East African coast arrived, seeking ivory and slaves, followed by British explorers such as John Hanning Speke (who visited Buganda in 1862) and Henry Morton Stanley (in 1875). Their reports, alongside efforts by missionaries, generated growing interest from Europeans. By the late 1800s, British influence had expanded, and the area came under the control of the Imperial British East Africa Company, later superseded by the British government. In 1894, Britain officially declared the Uganda Protectorate, uniting diverse regions (with little regard for ethnic boundaries) under colonial rule. The British administration introduced cash crops, such as coffee and cotton, built infrastructure, and disrupted traditional power structures. Travellers can still see relics of the colonial era, such as colonial buildings in Entebbe and Kampala, as well as the Uganda Railway, which was key to their economy.

Under colonial rule, Buganda was favoured in some ways (through agreements like the 1900 Buganda Agreement), which sowed regional imbalances. Missionary schools educated a new elite, and by the mid-20th century, nationalist sentiments had begun to rise. A visit to Mengo, the seat of the Buganda kingdom in Kampala, or the various missionary-founded schools and churches (like Namirembe Cathedral) reveals how colonialism and local kingdoms intertwined in Uganda’s history.

Uganda achieved independence from Britain on October 9, 1962, a proud moment commemorated at sites like the Independence Monument in Kampala. Milton Obote became the first Prime Minister upon independence, leading a coalition government under the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) together with the Kabaka Yekka party (KY). The young nation, however, faced immediate challenges due to ethnic and regional divides left by colonial rule. Tensions culminated in the 1966 crisis, when Obote’s government clashed with the Kingdom of Buganda. The Kabaka (King) of Buganda was exiled, and the federal structure was abolished, concentrating power in the central government. In 1967, Uganda declared itself a republic with Obote as President, effectively sidelining the kingdoms (which were abolished at that time).

Uganda after Independence

Political instability continued. In January 1971, General Idi Amin seized power in a military coup, while Obote was out of the country. Amin’s regime (1971–1979) is infamous for its brutality – an estimated 300,000 Ugandans were killed during his rule – and for the expulsion of the Asian community in 1972, which devastated the economy. Idi Amin remains one of the most well-known figures in Uganda’s history; his eight-year rule earned international notoriety for human rights abuses and economic decline. Travellers interested in this dark chapter can visit sites like the Uganda Army barracks in Kampala or the Entebbe old airport control tower – the scene of the dramatic 1976 Operation Entebbe rescue raid, when Israeli commandos stormed the old terminal to free hostages from a hijacked Air France flight. Local guides often share stories from the Amin era, and the Uganda National Museum has exhibits on post-independence history that provide context to this turbulent period. For further reading on Amin’s impact, the Daily Monitor offers in-depth retrospectives (e.g. “Understanding Amin 40 years after the coup”, which examines his legacy from a Ugandan perspective).

In 1979, Amin was overthrown by a coalition of Ugandan exiles, supported by Tanzanian forces, who captured Kampala and partially damaged Entebbe Airport during the conflict. After Amin, Uganda saw a series of short-lived governments. Obote returned to power in 1980 but faced a guerrilla war led by Yoweri Museveni after allegations of a rigged election. The civil conflict of the early 1980s further scarred the nation, especially in the Luwero region.

In 1986, Yoweri Museveni and his National Resistance Army rebels captured Kampala, marking the end of years of turmoil. Museveni became president and has remained in power ever since, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. His rise brought relative stability and economic recovery after the chaos of the 1970s and 1980s. Under Museveni’s rule, Uganda reinstated traditional kingdoms (in a cultural role) in 1993, allowing figures like the Kabaka of Buganda to once again serve as cultural leaders (though without political authority). Visitors can observe this revival of cultural institutions, for example, attending a ceremony at the Bulange (Buganda’s parliament building) or at Kabaka’s Palace on Mengo Hill, which reflects the blend of modern politics with ancient tradition.

Museveni’s tenure also faced challenges such as the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency in the north (late 1980s to 2000s), led by Joseph Kony. The LRA conflict displaced millions of people and is a significant part of recent history, particularly in the Acholi sub-region.

Historical and Cultural Sites in Uganda

Visiting the Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine in Namugongo, for instance, highlights a historical event (the 1880s martyrdom of Christians) as well as how contemporary Uganda recognises its past. The museum at the shrine not only explores religious history but also demonstrates Uganda’s freedom of worship.

In Kampala, the Uganda National Museum (founded in 1908, the oldest museum in East Africa) offers an excellent overview of Ugandan history, from archaeological finds (like Stone Age tools) to ethnographic displays of traditional life. The museum’s galleries on the colonial period and independence era include photographs and artefacts (such as the desk where the 1962 independence instruments were signed) that bring those moments to life. Nearby, the Independence Monument (29 feet tall) on Speke Road stands in the city centre, unveiled in 1962 to mark freedom from colonial rule. It is an excellent spot for reflection and a photo, often explained by guides who recount the jubilant Independence Day celebrations.

In the heartland of the Kingdom of Buganda, sites like the Kasubi Tombs, the burial place of Buganda kings, connect visitors with the pre-colonial and colonial-era history. Although a fire in 2010 damaged the main mausoleum, restoration is ongoing, and the site remains a poignant link to the 19th-century kings who interacted with early explorers and the British. UNESCO recognised the tombs for their cultural value. Similarly, the Bigo bya Mugenyi earthworks (ancient earthen fortifications in western Uganda) date back perhaps between the 14th and 16th centuries A.D, hinting at the region’s early civilisations long before colonial maps.

For those interested in the recent past, a visit to Entebbe is worthwhile. The old Entebbe Airport (near the current Entebbe International Airport) has a remaining control tower and an aviation museum display, commemorating the 1976 Entebbe raid – a dramatic event of international significance. Entebbe was also the colonial administrative capital; you can tour the State House (Entebbe) area and see colonial-era buildings and the War Memorial Monument honouring Ugandans who served in World Wars.

In addition to various museums and memorials across Uganda that cater to specific historical themes, in the north, you will find the National Memory & Peace Documentation Centre in Kitgum and the Peace Museum on Bardege Road, within the Bishop’s House compound in Gulu city, offers insight into the LRA war, providing a sombre yet essential perspective on the conflict and rehabilitation after the war.

In the east, one can visit the Uganda Railway Musuem located along Jinja-Iganda highway in Jinja City, the Speke Memorial Monument in Bukaya, a spot at the source of the Nile that marks the place where John Hanning Speke stood in 1862, and the Nyero Rock Paintings (ancient rock art) which speak to an even earlier human history in Uganda dating back to 1250 CE.

Cultural experiences also help you appreciate the history of “the pearl of Africa”. If you love traditional dance performances, music, and storytelling, consider visiting the Ndere Troupe at the Ndere Cultural Centre, located along Ntinda–Kisaasi Road, or the Kampala National Theatre, situated on De Winton Street. These help to connect historical stories of Uganda through entertainment.

Are you ready to explore the history of Uganda?

The history of Uganda is rich and multifaceted. Beyond the beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and cultural experiences, as a traveller, historical adventure Uganda can amplify your travel experiences. Each museum visit, palace tour, or conversation with a local elder can reveal another layer of Uganda’s story, making your trip not only scenic but also intellectually rewarding.