Buganda Agreement (1900)
The Buganda Agreement (1900) was a pivotal treaty signed between the Kingdom of Buganda and Sir Harry Johnston, representing the British government, on March 10, 1900. This agreement formally defined the status of Buganda within the British Protectorate of Uganda. It established the framework for future relations between the two entities and had significant long-term consequences for Buganda's political, economic, and social structures.
Key provisions of the Buganda Agreement included:
-
Land Allocation: A significant portion of Buganda's land was divided between the British Crown, the Kabaka (King) and chiefs, and individual landowners. This land allocation, while appearing to formalize ownership, effectively dispossessed many peasants and created a class of wealthy landowners. The agreement allocated land in square miles, greatly benefiting chiefs, who gained private ownership.
-
Governance: The Kabaka was recognized as the ruler of Buganda, but his authority was subject to the oversight of the British Commissioner. The agreement formalized a system of indirect rule, whereby the British administered the protectorate through the existing Buganda political structure. The Lukiko (Buganda's parliament) was officially recognized, but its decisions could be vetoed by the British Commissioner.
-
Taxation: The agreement established a system of taxation, with proceeds being divided between the Buganda government and the British administration. This taxation system was designed to generate revenue for the administration of the protectorate.
-
Military: Buganda was required to provide troops for the British military.
-
Religious Freedom: Freedom of religion was guaranteed.
The Buganda Agreement of 1900 significantly altered Buganda's social and political landscape, marking a turning point in its history and the history of Uganda as a whole. While it granted some autonomy to Buganda, it also cemented British control and laid the foundation for subsequent colonial policies. The land settlement, in particular, had profound and lasting consequences for land ownership and social stratification in Buganda. The agreement is still regarded as a source of legal and political debate in modern Uganda.