History of Uganda: Kingdoms, Colonial Era, Independence and Today

Long before European explorers arrived, the lands around the Great Lakes were home to organised kingdoms including Buganda, Bunyoro-Kitara, Tooro and Ankole. Oral tradition also speaks of the Bachwezi, a semi-legendary dynasty linked to earthworks such as Ntusi and Bigo.

In the nineteenth century Arab traders and European explorers reached the region. Britain established a protectorate in the 1890s and Uganda became independent on 9 October 1962; see Uganda's Independence Day. The decades after independence were turbulent, including the military rule of Idi Amin in the 1970s, before a period of recovery and growth that made tourism one of the country's major earners.

This guide is part of our Uganda facts and travel information guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Uganda safari vacations.

Kingdoms and Early Rulers

The Buganda kingdom, with its kabakas (kings), grew powerful on the northern shore of Lake Victoria. Kabaka Mwanga II ruled at the time of the Uganda Martyrs in the 1880s; see Namugongo Martyrs' Shrine. Read Uganda's kingdoms and the Bachwezi for more.

Explorers, Missionaries and the Protectorate

Explorers such as John Hanning Speke reached the region in search of the Nile's source; see who discovered the source of the Nile. Missionaries followed, and Britain established the protectorate in the 1890s.

Independence and Recovery

Independence brought both promise and conflict. The years of dictatorship in the 1970s were followed by reconstruction. Today Uganda is known for wildlife, culture and hospitality; see Uganda people, culture and history.

Planning a trip? Tell us your dates and we will build a Uganda safari around them.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team