important dates in uganda's history
the history of Uganda
Uganda's history is full of tragedy and sorrow, but Uganda's future, full of progress and hope. Uganda was comprised of different kingdoms and tribes until the British officially colonized the country in 1896 although Britain (through the East India Company) had extended its influence in Uganda since around 1888 (Compassion, 2012; History World). (See the Population and Settlement page for a more thorough look at Uganda's early history). Britain's presence in Uganda dramatically changed the country's development in both positive and negative ways. After having control over the country for almost seventy years, Britain finally loosens the reins and let Uganda free by granting them independence in 1962 (Rice, 2007). This proved to bring much hardship and suffering upon the country. In the words of Rice, this time was "ushering in a quarter century of political tumult and violence" (2007). The first government in independent Uganda consisted of a prime minister and state figure. However, the first elected prime minister, Milton Obote, got rid of the "head of state", Mutesa and brought a new constitution to Uganda (History World). His rule was brief, however. In 1971, he was overthrown by a military commander, Id Amin (Compassion, 2012). This was a tragic change for Uganda. According to History World, "between 100,000 and 500,000 Ugandans are reported to be murdered or tortured during Amin's seven years in power." Not only did he wreak havoc on the citizens, but he also expelled the Asians living in the country, wreaking havoc on the economy as well Rice, 2007; History World). Meanwhile, according to History World, Obote (the first prime minister), although previously overthrown in government, had established himself in Tanzania, waiting for a moment to take the government from Amin. Near the end of his reign, Id Amin sought to attack Tanzania. In this, Obote received the opportunity he had been waiting for. With the backing and help of the Tanzanian government, Obote attacked Amin. Eventually, through more struggles and fights, Obote gained control of the government (History World). However, many were still dissatisfied with this turn of events including a man named Yusevni Museveni. Deep in the country, Museveni, tired of Obote and Uganda's deterioration, put together an army, known as the National Resistance Army, and eventually took control the government after five years of fighting from 1980-1985 (History World; Rice, 2007). The war weakened the country greatly. According to Compassion, "Guerrilla war and human rights abuses under Milton Obote from 1980 to 1985 claimed the lives of at least another 100,000 people" (2012). The suffering that the country has gone through is immense. And this is an understatement. People were thrown in the midst of a civil war which they had no part in. Many more died, and the country lay in ruins. The victory of Museveni brought lasting stability (somewhat) to the country. Although it still had its troubles before it, it was at least put on solid ground (History World; Rice, 2007; Compassion, 2012). The economy in Uganda improved dramatically, giving credit to Musevini's leadership (Compassion 2012; History World; Rice, 2007). Although not perfect, according to Rice, he was "hailed as one of Africa's most progressive leaders" (2007). He has ruled since 1986 and his presidency has existed until today (Compassion, 2012; History World). Uganda will hopefully continue to grow and stay at peace with itself and its neighbors.
link to animated map of the world's colonization, including uganda's
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/89/Colonisation2.gif
Colonization played a large part in Uganda's history.
Colonization played a large part in Uganda's history.
sources
Compassion International. (2012). Uganda [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.compassion.com/about/where/uganda.htm
History World. (n.d.). History of uganda. Retrieved from http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/plaintexthistories.asp?historyid=ad22
Rice, X. (2007, October 20). Background: Ugandan history. the guardian. Retrieved from http://www.guardian.co.uk/katine/2007/oct/20/agriculture.governance
History World. (n.d.). History of uganda. Retrieved from http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/plaintexthistories.asp?historyid=ad22
Rice, X. (2007, October 20). Background: Ugandan history. the guardian. Retrieved from http://www.guardian.co.uk/katine/2007/oct/20/agriculture.governance