The Making of Modern Uganda

The Making of Modern Uganda, published in 1958, explores the formation of modern Uganda in the sixty years since the 1890s, when the British administration was established. It traces the emergence of a territory based on peasant agriculture guided by British agricultural officers, from an era of tribal and clan organization to a centralised government. The book also discusses the controversial issue of closer union with other East African territories and the growth of the politically active minority. It highlights the years of 'happy Uganda' before the Second World War as a period of progress, but notes the growth of new forces that found an outlet in the post-war political and constitutional developments.

Format: Hardback
Length: 299 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

First published in 1958, The Making of Modern Uganda delves into the formation of modern Uganda in the sixty years since the 1890s, when the foundations of the British administration were laid. In the early 20th century, Sir Hesketh Bell, the Governor of Uganda, made a decision that Uganda should be built up by Africans under the disinterested guidance of Europeans. Consequently, the book traces the emergence of a territory whose material prosperity is primarily based on peasant agriculture, guided by the advice of British agricultural officers. It describes the transition from an era of tribal, clan, and village organization to a system of centralized government along semi-parliamentary lines, while also noting disagreements over whether Uganda's future should be a unitary or a federal state. The controversial issue of closer union with the other East African territories is studied in depth, as is the growth of the politically active minority, which plays a crucial role in the modern Protectorate. The author believes that the years of 'happy Uganda,' before the Second World War, were a period when hard work coupled with peace and obvious progress tended to conceal the growth of new forces that needed an outlet. These forces found one in the political and constitutional developments of the post-war age.

This book holds significant interest for students of history, African studies, ethnic studies, and political science. It provides valuable insights into the historical processes that shaped Uganda's modern identity and offers a comprehensive understanding of the country's social, economic, and political landscape.

Weight: 720g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032612768