A HISTORY OF BUGANDA LUKIIKO, 1900-1993

BY

NANTALE GRACE

17/U/14412/GMAH/PE

A RESEARCH DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF

HISTORY AND POLITICAL SCIENCE IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT
OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE
OF MASTERS OF ARTS IN HISTORY OF
KYAMBOGO UNIVERSITY

MARCH 2018
 DECLARATION

I, Nantale Grace, declare that this report is a true reflection of my original work and has never
been presented to any other university for any academic award.

Date: ………………………………………Signature: …………………………………

1
 APPROVAL

We confirm that this report has been submitted to the Graduate School of Kyambogo
University with our approval:

SUPERVISORS

1. Associate Professor Charles Amone.

2. Dr.Yokana Ogola.

2
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION....................................................................................................................1

APPROVAL...........................................................................................................................2

TABLE OF CONTENTS.......................................................................................................4

1.1 Introduction......................................................................................................................1

1.2 Background to the study...................................................................................................1

1.3 Statement of the problem..................................................................................................3

1.4 Purpose of the study.........................................................................................................3

1.5 Research questions...........................................................................................................4

1.6. Scope of the study...........................................................................................................4

1.7 Significance of the study..................................................................................................4

1.8 Literature Review.............................................................................................................5

1.9 The transformational changes the Lukiiko has undergone from 1900-1993....................5

1.10 The role of Buganda Lukiiko on the social, political and economic development of
Buganda kingdom...................................................................................................................7

2.4 The challenges faced by Buganda Lukiiko from 1900-1993...........................................9

3.1 Research Methodology...................................................................................................11

3.1 Research Design.............................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

3.2 Area of Study...............................................................................................................11

3.3 Study Population............................................................................................................11

3.4 Sample Size and Sampling Techniques..........................................................................11

Table 1: Study Population, Sample Size and sampling Techniques....................................11

3.4.1 Sampling Techniques..................................................................................................12

The study will employ three sampling techniques that is simple random, purposive
sampling and snow ball sampling techniques......................................................................12

Simple Random Sampling....................................................................................................12

3.5 Data Collection Methods................................................................................................13

3
3.5.1 Introduction..................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

3.5.2 In-depth Interview.......................................................................................................13

3.5.3 Focus Group Discussion..............................................................................................13

3.5.4 Achieves......................................................................................................................13

3.6 Research Procedure........................................................................................................14

3.7 Data Analysis..................................................................................................................14

3.7.1 Qualitative Data Analysis............................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

3.8 Ethical Considerations....................................................................................................14

APPENDICES......................................................................................................................16

APPENDIX 1: RESEARCH WORKPLAN AND TIME FRAME.....................................16

APPENDIX 2: BUDGET ESTIMATE................................................................................16

4
1.1. Introduction

This study intends to assess the history of Buganda Lukiiko from 1900 to 1993. The Lukiiko
is the parliament of the Kingdom of Buganda. Etmologically lukiiko was derived from
‘‘Okukiika’’ which means to represent1 Buganda Kingdom is situated in the central southern
region of Uganda on the northern and north-western shores of Lake Victoria and its
inhabitants are the people who are referred to as the Baganda.

The Baganda belong to the Bantu-speaking people who occupy much of eastern and southern
Africa, but whose origin is said to be somewhere in western Africa around the Niger-Benue
confluence in the present Nigeria and Cameroon. The early history of Buganda is not clearly
known as it has remained a contentious subject among scholars. However, based on clan oral
traditions, some historians have argued that Buganda developed from a very humble
beginning, initially as a small area on the northern shores of Lake Victoria inhabited by the
Bannansangwa2. Buganda grew both in population and territorial size following several
waves of migration of people of heterogeneous origins that reached the peak between the
thirteenth and fifteenth centuries3.Their first direct contact with Europeans was established in
1862 when British explorers John Speke and captain sir Richard Francis Burton entered
Buganda.

1.2.Background to the study

The term Lukiiko which is also the Cultural Parliament can be traced as early as 783 BC
when societies were tribal4. Globally, the Alþingi in Iceland claims to be the longest running
cultural parliament in the world. In Africa, cultural parliament started when Queen Victoria
granted permission for the establishment of a parliament in the Cape Colony in 1853. In
Egypt, cultural parliaments’ life began as early as 1866 due to several forms of kingdoms that
were formed, dismantled and amended to reach the present-day form. Since 1866, Egypt
witnessed seven cultural parliamentary systems whose legislative and oversight competences

1
Sallie samba kayunga, The Buganda Lukiiko; Change and continuity in Traditional systems
of Governance in Mawazo The journal of the faculties of Arts and social sciences Makerere
University,vol 9,1,2010,pp 26.
2
Semakula kiwanuka, From colonialism to independence, Nairobi,East African
publishers,1973,pp 32.
3
Ibid pp 43.
4
Jacobsen, T. . "Primitive Democracy in Ancient Mesopotamia". Journal of Near Eastern
Studies 2 (3): 1943,159–172.

5
varied and reflected the history of the Egyptian people's struggle to establish a society based
on democracy and freedom.

According to tradition, The Lukiiko was established by Kato Kintu, the first Kabaka of
Buganda, after defeating the rival prince Bbemba and he called a general meeting of
influential people at Magongo and this marked its beginning. It took its present form as a
result of the Buganda agreement of 1900 and subsequent agreements.

During the "ku-kiika" administrative matters affecting lower units were discussed until it
became a custom for chiefs to hold regular meetings. At the lowest nkiiko (prular for lukiiko)
ordinary men could freely express their feelings. It was the duty of the lowest chief to convey
the feelings of the people to higher chiefs or councils in a hierarchical order. The pre-colonial
"nkiiko", thus, served as channels of communicating orders from above. They also served as
avenues for popular participation in the lower nkiiko and for conveying the opinions of the
people and chiefs at the bottom5.

The Lukiiko is today convened at the Bulange. The membership consists of directly-elected
members from Buganda counties, Buganda county chiefs, members appointed by the Kabaka,
and Buganda cabinet ministers. The Lukiiko is charged with legislating by-laws of the
kingdom but is not allowed by the state government to legislate political matters. The
counties and sub-counties were directly ruled by appointed chiefs and the entire kingdom
legislated for by a common Lukiiko.6The kingdom has always had a culture of discussing
issues regarding its political, social, economic and cultural matters since time in memorial.

It is also in the Bulange that the Kabaka meets the Buganda Lukiiko. Before Bulange
building was constructed, members of the Lukiiko used to sit under trees on grass but later,
they decided to build the Lukiiko sit which was grass thatched. Later, Sir Apollo Kaggwa
who was the then Prime Minister decided to build a new Bulange with bricks. He gave the
contract to an Indian Alidina Visram and work was started in 1902. However, when Kabaka`s
government expanded, there was need to create a bigger Lukiiko hall. In the year 1953 while
in exile in Scotland, Ssekabaka Muteesa saw a plan and admired it, on his return and he
decided that the Lukiiko sit should be constructed using the plan. The construction work was

5
Sallie Simba Kayunga, The Buganda Lukiiko; Change and continuity in Traditional systems
of Governance ,in Mawazo The journal of the faculties of Arts and social sciences Makerere
University,vol 9,1,2010 pp 26.
6
M.S.M. Kiwanuka, Uganda under the British, in ZAMANI;A SURVEY OF EAST
AFRICAN HISTORY.
6
started in 1953 and was completed in 1958 at a cost of 5millions which was a vast sum of
money by then7. Therefore, the new Bulange contrary to the Kiganda culture was built
outside the Lubiri something that saw a lot of criticism from most of the Baganda. The spot at
which Bulange stands was formally occupied by the first English Police Post and was called
Namirembe. It took the name Bulange from Bulange hill due to the weaving grass that used
to grow on that hill. Although it had for over 20 years been out of Buganda`s control, it still
maintains its original stature despite once being gutted by fire. In the year 1966, the country
Uganda faced a political turmoil, the Lubiri was invaded and captured. Bulange was turned
into the Uganda army headquarters and the cultural institutions were abolished. However, in
the year 1993, cultural institutions were re-instated and Bulange was handed back to the
Kingdom.8

1.3.Statement of the problem

Scholars around the world have spilt a lot of ink documenting the history of the Buganda
Kingdom from the way of life of the people to their political and social structures 9,,10,11,12 but
sadly little attempt has been made to understand the institutions that govern them for instance
the Buganda Lukiiko.

All these studies have provided us with good knowledge as far as Buganda Kingdom is
concerned but they have not done much to illustrate the Lukiiko as a socio-cultural and
political body that governs the Kingdom. Little is known concerning the transformational
changes the Lukiiko has undergone from 1900 to 1993, the role it plays in the social, political
and economic development of Buganda Kingdom and the challenges it faced from 1900 to
1993. It was this gap, therefore, that prompted the researcher to conduct a detailed study to
illustrate the metamorphosis that the Lukiiko as an institution underwent over the years from
1900 to 1993.

7
Opicitsallie,pp 27.
8
Opicit,salliepp 29.
9
Lawrence.D.schiller, The royal women of Buganda,The international journal of African
historical studies,BostonUniversity,vol 23,3,1990.
10
Joan vicent,Law and justice in Buganda,Nairobi,Longman,2009.
11
M.Mpanga,KabakaMutebi revives Baganda traditional system of justice,2015.
12
SemakulaKiwanuka, History of Buganda((Buganda Kingdom of the Ganda) Nairobi, East
African publishers.
7
1.4.Purpose of the study

The purpose of the study was to discuss the Lukiiko (parliament) as a social,cultural and
political institution of the Kingdom of Buganda.

1.5.Specific objectives of the study

1. To discus the transformational changes the Lukiiko has undergone from 1900-1993
2. To assess the role of Buganda Lukiiko on the social, political and economic
development of Buganda Kingdom.
3. To analyze the challenges faced by Buganda Lukiiko from 1900-1993.

1.6.Research questions

1. What are the transformational changes the Lukiiko has undergone from 1900-1993?
2. What is the role of Buganda Lukiiko on the social, political and economic
development of Buganda Kingdom?
3. What are the challenges faced by Buganda Lukiiko from 1900-1993?

1.7. Scope of the study

This is an historical study focusing on the history of Buganda Lukiiko 1900 to 2018.The
silent features of the study are, the transformational changes the Lukiiko has undergone from
1900-1993, the role of Buganda Lukiiko on the social, political and economic development of
Buganda Kingdom and the challenges faced by Buganda Lukiiko from 19001 to 1993.

Geographically, The study was carried out in Buganda Kingdom. It is located in the central-
southern region of Uganda, on the northern and north-western shores of Lake Victoria.

The study covers the period 1900-1993. 1900 has been chosen as a starting point of the study
because it was the year when the Buganda Lukiiko was officially established by the 1900
Buganda agreement and it took its present form. 1993 is important for this study because this
is the year when Kingdoms were re-instated with a lot of changes on how the institution was
to perform its duties.

8
1.8. Significance of the study

The findings of the study will be useful to historians and political scientists to gain more
insight into the history of Buganda Lukiiko as an institution from 1900-1993 so as to close
the knowledge gap.

The study findings will be useful to the Baganda themselves because some Baganda’s are not
well conversant with the history of their kingdom particularly the institutions that make up
principles governing the smooth running of the kingdom.

They will also be of great importance to the Kabaka and his officials, the Lukiiko members
and the government of Uganda in making a follow up on how things have been done since
time memorial because it will be an organised write up right from 1900 to 2018 which has
been missing.

The study findings will be used by other researchers to fill the gap that might to have been
identified by the current study of the history of Buganda Lukiiko 1900-1993.

1.9.0.Literature Review

This literature review presents existing literature on the history of Buganda Lukiiko
from1900 to 1993 which is extracted from different journals, online sources, textbooks,
newsletters among other sources. The extracted information is related to the proposed study
objectives.

1.9.1.The transformational changes the Lukiiko has undergone from 1900-1993

The Buganda Agreement of 1900 tried to retain the character and role of the pre-colonial
Nkiiko as closely as possible. Several changes were, however, made by the 1900 Agreement.
Before the 1900 Agreement, membership of the Lukiiko was not clearly defined and ordinary
men at times had access to the Lukiiko. Article I l of the 1900 Agreement limited the number
of representatives to 89.The 1902 Lukiiko comprised of Ministers, Saza Chiefs, notables
appointed by the Kabaka, Other persons of importance selected by the Kabaka. The Buganda
Lukiiko recommended by the 1900 Agreement was entirely composed of official
representatives. It lacked the autonomy from the executive of the Buganda state. It was not
embedded in the theories of separation of powers that is characteristic of the modern
democratic states. It also lacked 'social autonomy'. Since chiefs were exclusively landowners,

9
they represented the interests of that class. Its claim to represent the interests of every
Muganda was in theory.13

Because the Buganda Lukiiko lacked both social and political autonomy, numerous demands
for widening its social base of representation emerged in the 1920s. A vibrant vernacular
press, whose objective was the articulation of the interests of the excluded social categories in
Buganda, also emerged. The excluded social categories started organising themselves into
associations such as the Bataka Movement, Buganda Growers Association and Buganda
Traders Associations. Subsequent changes were made by asking various associations to
participate in the formulation of the agenda for discussion by the Buganda Lukiiko. In 1939,
the Kabaka agreed to nominate a non-official to Buganda Lukiiko in place of Miluka chiefs.
The Kabaka provisionally nominated these non-official representatives to the Buganda
Lukiiko. This did not, however, solve the problem of representation to the Buganda Lukiiko.
The practice was for the Saza Chief to recommend their supporters to the Kabaka for
nomination. There were numerous demands that the people elect their own representatives.
This was granted in 1945. However, the election of the thirty one unofficial members was
done through electoral colleges.

According to the law, a minimum of 20 registered voters in attendance was necessary at

Miluka elections. Voters had to be a male, and at least 21 years old. Permanent residence in
the Miluka, and a voter should have paid three graduated taxes consecutively. In an attempt to
introduce the concept of separation of powers in the governance of the Buganda Lukiiko,
candidates were not to be government employees. Candidates who had been imprisoned for a
bad offence were also excluded.14The Lukiiko became more representative with the onset of
independence. The indirect elections to the Lukiiko were replaced by direct elections based
on political party competition. Until 1967 when traditional institutions were abolished in
Uganda, it was the parliament of a functioning local state with significant political and
legislative powers.

In 1993 the NRM government restored the traditional institutions. The President, with a
strong backing from the National Resistance Army Council, prevailed over the council
members to pass the Constitution (Amendment) Statute 1993 and the Traditional Rulers
(Restoration of Assets) Statute 1993. It allowed the revival of kings or traditional rulers

13
Opicitsallie,pp 27.
14
Opicit,pp 27.

10
"where the people so wished", it restored specific properties to the Buganda monarchy and
property restored included the Lubiri (Palace), Bulange (Parliament), as well as over 400
square miles of land to the Kabaka and other royal subjects. As a consequence of the above
law, several communities in Uganda have had their traditional institutions restored 15. The
reasons for this restoration have been a subject of debate. Restoration could be seen as
recognition of global trend where ethnicity and traditional institutions are asserting
themselves. The NRM argues that it was part of correcting the wrongs committed by past
regimes.16".But what should be noted is that this came with several changes as explained by
sallie that, when the National Resistance Movement captured power in 1986, the Buganda
Lukiiko re-emerged on Uganda’s political scene. One major transformation with in the
lukiiko, however, was that, it was nolonger part of a functioning local state. though it still
claimed to be the legislative body of an imagined state of Buganda, its role was much more of
advocacy than legislative. In short, it had moved away from the arena of political society into
an arena of civil society17

Before restoration, Lukiiko was known as Ssabasajja Ssabatakas Supreme Council working
closely with The Buganda Bataka Heads of Clans Council. Its major role was to articulate
Buganda’s collective interests. It was recognised by the state as the sole institution it
negotiated with for the return of Buganda’s traditional institution. It is this group that came
up and submitted the constitutional proposals to the Uganda constitutional commission on
behalf of the rest of Buganda on the 30 of august 1991.18

1.9.2.The role of Buganda Lukiiko on the social, political and economic development of
Buganda kingdom

The Buganda Lukiiko as an example of a new social movement (NSM),It is not 'interest-
based'. People participate in its activities more on the basis of how they define themselves
than rational calculations of what they stand to gain. In the conventional world of civil
society, interests define identity. With the Buganda Lukiiko, identity defines interests.
Second, the degree of organizational complexity determines the success of civil society. The
15
Opicitsallie,pp 29.
16
Museveni, Y. K., Constitutional Transition in Museveni's Uganda: New Horizons
Start,1994.

17
Opicitsalliepp 26.
18
Ibid,pp 30.

11
Buganda Lukiiko does not need an elaborate organizational framework or program in order to
maintain group solidarity or consciousness. The target groups for political mobilization are
already an imagined community organization for popular mobilization. The traditional forms
of organization are based on the clan system and organizational network through which the
Buganda Lukiiko carries out political and other forms of mobilization is Buganda Cultural
Development Foundations(BUCADEF).

Whereas the Buganda Lukiiko at times uses state structures for political mobilisation, it has
managed to ensure organizational autonomy from the state in a number of ways. Until 1993,
the state was the major source of revenue for traditional institutions. This was either through
donations or through the rent the state paid for occupying a number premises belonging to the
Buganda Kingdom. The Buganda Lukiiko also generated money from the Markets returned
to the Kabaka in 1993. Voluntary contributions to the Buganda kingdom through the Lukiiko
also increased with time. Of interest also, is the ability of the Buganda Lukiiko to invoke
tradition in its struggle to ensure organizational autonomy of the traditional institutions.

The Buganda Lukiiko has established a network of organizational linkages both externally
and internally. Externally, it is linked to various organizations such as the GwangaMujje
Community Organization (Ottawa), the North American Buganda Development Foundation
(Bulungi Bwansi), Ebika by'Abaganda mu Sweden, Kamukamu in Dallas and Abaana ba
Buganda in Southern Africa. Overall, the objective of these external organizations is to
provide a forum for promoting, strengthening and preserving Kiganda's cultural traditions,
values and integrity. These external organizations have been a source of funds to the Lukiiko
and other activities in Buganda aimed at strengthening the kingdom. In order to achieve an
efficient flow of information the Buganda Lukiiko established the Central Broadcasting
Corporation CBS. In the field of education the Buganda Lukiiko issues out scholarships to
needy students It also mobilises resources necessary to deal with the street children. It also
encourages voluntarism and community participation in projects in Buganda. It has uplifted
the status of women through engaging them in leadership and in other important councils and
their importance can now be felt by the public. Like most women in Ganda society, their
power was informal, important wives always sat on the kabakas council, the Lukiiko, and
even though they did not speak in that forum, they certainly must have voiced their opinions
to the king.19
19
Lawrence .D.Schiller,The royal women of Buganda,The international journal of African historical
studies,BostonUniversity,vol 23,3,1990,pp 470.

12
In the period after 1955, the Kabakas Government or the Buganda Lukiiko made a move to
uphold the Kabakas status, either against local party leaders or against the British protectorate
authorities or against the non-Baganda in the rest of Uganda. This was not just because the
people felt obliged to the Kabaka, it may be suggested as well that it was because the people
felt that by supporting the Kabaka they would ensure that no counter attack by either an old
or a new ambitious elite would be successful.20

During the political turbulence of the late fifties in Uganda, The Lukiiko of Buganda
approved a memorandum to be sent to the Queen of the United Kingdom to the effect that the
Lukiiko nolonger saw the benefit of remaining in Uganda and under British protection and
the memorandum concluded, ‘if we want to terminate the agreements, the British can not
refuse us-just as we could not refuse them if they wanted to terminate the agreements.
referring to the 1894 and 1900 agreements’. 21When Kabakas delegation to London seeking
the postponement of direct elections until his kingdom had been granted a federal status
failed,the Kabaka and his government decided to boycott elections. The Lukiiko began a
series of memorandum to the British government setting out their case for Bugandas separate
independence. One such memorandum to the Queen was presented to and adopted by the
Lukiiko sitting on 4 october 1960,setting our arrangements for Bugandas independence. In
conclusion this document stated; ‘Buganda can not sell her heritage for the purchase of
Uganda’s independence. that heritage is much more precious in the long run, nor is Buganda
prepared to sacrifice every thing on the altar of Uganda’s unity 22.In 1953,the Kabaka
supported by the lukiiko opposed the idea of an East African Federation proposed in the
secretary of state for the colonies speech of 30 june 1953.It was also at this time that the
Kabaka demanded independence and thereby posed a threat to the existence of the colonial
government23

1.9.3.The challenges faced by Buganda Lukiiko from 1900-1993

The Buganda Agreement of 1900 formalised the relationship between the Kingdom of

Buganda and the British Uganda Protectorate. Milton Obote abrogated the 1962 constitution,
in 1966 and in 1967 the country became a unitary republic. The kingdoms were abolished and
the President became head of the executive as well as head of state.

20
D.A.Low,The advent of populism in Buganda,combridge University press,vol 6,4,1964,pp 439-40.
21
S.R.Karugire,A political history of Uganda,London,Heinemann Educational Books,1980,pp 119-120.
22
Ibid,pp 177.
23
Opicitm.s.m.kiwanuka pp326.

13
Buganda would henceforth be a province of the Protectorate, and would be transformed into a
constitutional monarchy with the power of the Lukiiko greatly enhanced and the role of
the Kabaka reduced. The British also gained the right to future choices of Kabaka, and
control of numerous other appointments 2. These provisions concerning the roles of the
Kabaka and Lukiiko were largely reversed by the Buganda Agreement of 1961.The
agreement formalised Henry Colvile's 1894 promise that Buganda would receive certain
territories in exchange for their support against the Bunyoro. Two of the 'lost counties'
(Buyaga and Bugangaizi) were returned to the Bunyoro following the Ugandan lost counties
referendum of 1964.

The Kasubi Tombs in Kampala, Uganda, is the site of the burial grounds for

four kabakas (kings of Buganda) and other members of the Baganda royal family. As a result,
the site remains an important spiritual and political site for the Ganda people, as well as an
important example of traditional architecture. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in
December 2001, when it was described as "one of the most remarkable buildings using purely
vegetal materials in the entire region of sub-Saharan Africa24.

On 16 March 2010, the Kasubi tombs were destroyed by fire. The cause of the fire is as yet
unknown. The Buganda kingdom has promised to conduct independent investigations into the
fire, alongside the national police force. Some of the major buildings there were almost
completely destroyed by fire, As a result, in July 2010 it was included in the list of World
Heritage Sites in Danger. The Buganda Kingdom has vowed to rebuild the tombs of their
kings and President Museveni said the national government of Uganda would assist in the
restoration of the site. Reconstruction started in 2014, funded by the government of Japan.
The destruction occurred in the midst of an awkward relationship between the government of
Uganda and the Buganda kingdom, particularly in light of the September 2009 riots. Ahead
of these riots, the king of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi was stopped from touring parts
of his kingdom, and several journalists who were allegedly sympathetic to the kingdom and
the rioters were arrested and are awaiting trial.

When the Uganda Agreement was made the Kabaka was a minor, and partly owing to this
fact, and partly owing to the bitter memories of the previous reign, the drafters of the
Agreement intentionally emphasized the rights of the individual chiefs as against those of the
Kabaka. The over lordship of the Kabaka in relation to the land was not recognised.
24
UNESCO (2001). Buganda, the World Heritage Site
14
Further, all the mailo owners consider themselves as possessing recognised rights and powers
as unpaid local administrators of the people on their land. It is believed that these rights are
acquired through the formal presentation to the Kabaka. The anomaly is that anyone who
acquires land by purchase assumes the same rights without being presented to the Kabaka. In
Buganda, the concept upon which the governance of the territory was based were swept away
by the 1900 agreement. This was achieved in a number of ways. By formally making the
lukiiko into a deliberative assembly with defined functions, the exercise of which functions
was not dependent upon the Kabaka, the agreement had done away with one of the
fundamental functions of the Kabakaship. Again by creating an independent class of land
owners whose ownership could not be tampered with by the Kabaka .It had swept away at a
stroke, the whole basis of Kiganda social and political organisation and by imposing various
limitation upon the Kabaka and his government as a whole, Bugandas state structure was
changed out of recognition.25 From the economic and social points of view, the new system of
Land tenure created a kind of permanent aristocracy which had not existed before.26

In a recent law the over lordship of the Kabaka was partially revived and he was empowered
compulsorily to acquire land for purposes beneficial to the Nation. This law was greatly
resented when it was made and the then Prime Minister of Buganda was assassinated for
forcing it through the Lukiiko.

1.9.4. Research Methodology.

The study was entirely qualitative and adopted a descriptive design. Data was collected in
form of themes, statements and words. This was done in a narrative form on the different
interview questions where the researcher organizes statements and responses from different
respondents and the researcher generated useful conclusions and interpretations on the
research objectives which were reported in a narrative form.

1.9.5. Area of Study

The study was carried out in Buganda Kingdom and it explored the history of Buganda
Lukiiko1900 to 1993.

25
OpicitKarugire,pp 117.
26
Opicit, m.s.m.kiwanuka.pp314.

15
1.9.6. Study Population

The study population comprised current members of the Buganda Lukiiko, the former
members of the Lukiiko, the local cultural leaders, elders in Buganda who were the key
informants and the Katikiro/Prime Ministers of Buganda Kingdom. This population enabled
the researcher to gather enough information concerning the study objectives.

1.9.7. Sample Size and Sampling Techniques.

To get a reasonable representative sample suitable to give reliable results, Krejcie&Morgan

table was used to determine the sample size from the target population. 27 This means that,
basing on the selected population of members in all the groups, a sample size chosen was
sixty six (33) respondents. However to ensure that all the sixty six(33) individuals that
comprised the study population have an equal chance of being included in the sample, simple
random, snowball and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the subscribed
respondents in Buganda Kingdom.

Table 1: Study Population, Sample Size and sampling Techniques

Study Sample Size Sampling Techniques

Category/ Group
Population
Members of the Buganda 120 10 Simple random
Lukiiko
Local cultural leaders 03 Simple random
Former members of the 34 19 Snow ball sampling
Buganda Lukiiko
The prime Minister of Buganda 1 1 Purposive sampling
Kingdom
Total 33

27
Krejcie, & Morgan. ,Determining Sample Size for Research Activities. Educational and
Psychological Measurement,1970,pp 607-61.

16
1.9.8 Sampling Techniques

The study employed three sampling techniques that is simple random, purposive sampling
and snow ball sampling techniques.

Simple Random Sampling

Simple random sampling was used to select elders in Buganda, and current Members of the
Buganda Lukiiko. Simple random sampling permits confident generalization from a sample
to a larger population, avoids bias, easy to use and permits them to provide relevant
information.28

Purposive sampling

Purposive sampling was used to select the former and current prime Minister of Buganda
Kingdom to participate in the study. This technique enabled the researcher to acquire an in-
depth understanding of the problem. The purposively selected sample is a rich source of data
of interest.29

28
Patton, M. Q.,Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods, London, UK: Sage
Publications,2002, pp. 12-26

Gay, L. R., Educational Research: Competencies for Analysis and Application. New Jersey
29

1996.
17
Snow Ball Sampling

This is a form of sampling where the researcher find it difficult to identify elements of the
study but endeavours to identify the first element and this element recommends the
researcher to the next element who subsequently refers to the next respondents and the
sequence continues until the researcher gets the required information. The sampling
technique therefore was used to identify the former members of the Buganda Lukiiko and the
key informants in Buganda.

1.9.9. Data Collection Methods

1.10.0. In-depth Interview.

The interviewer used an interview guide as the instrument which allowed for an in-depth
examination of the key informant on issues related to Buganda Lukiiko. Interviews enabled
the interviewer to establish good rapport with the respondents, allowing the interviewer to
observe, discuss and listen as well as permitting complex questions to be asked. Respondents
gave their views on the transformational changes the Lukiiko has undergone from 1900-1993,
the role of Buganda Lukiiko on the social, political and economic development of Buganda
Kingdom and the challenges faced by Buganda Lukiiko from 1900-1993.

1.10.1. Focused Discussion.

It was necessary to discuss with the different respondents most especially the key informants.
A focused discussion was an appropriate instrument for capturing data on transformational
changes the Lukiiko has undergone from 1900 to 1993, the role of Buganda Lukiiko on the
social, political and economic development of Buganda Kingdom and the

1.10.2. Achieves

These were also the main source of secondary data for the study. The study used both the
National archives and Buganda Kingdom archives. The study used the procedures; their
administrative and financial policy guidelines, management and Lukiiko parliament minutes,
operational, and management reports were consulted. These helped in providing background
information on the transformational changes the Lukiiko has undergone from 1900-1993, the

18
role of Buganda Lukiiko on the social, political and economic development of Buganda
Kingdom and the challenges faced by Buganda Lukiiko from 1900-1993.

1.10.3. Secondary data.

Secondary data was also sought from the journals, internet, magazines, newspapers, reports
and publications, text books that are premised on the Lukiiko and the changes it has
undergone.

1.10.3. Research Procedure

The researcher obtained an introductory letter from Kyambogo University, department of

History and Political Science to permit her conduct the study. The letter was presented to the
Buganda Kingdom for authorization and acceptance to undertake the research in the
Kingdom. After getting the authorization, then the researcher piloted the instruments with the
help of trained research assistants. The results from the pilot was compiled and analyzed to
update the data collection tools to assure clarity of questions asked and probe into areas
where findings were not consistent with the study objectives. Once the instruments are
updated, the research team then proceeded to the respondents to collect data, which took
about five months.

1.10.4. Data Analysis

Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Data was organized basing on the
patterns and commonalities and was arranged into themes based on the study objectives.
Qualitative data analysis was used with research objectives specifically to establish the
significant meaning or relationship of variables. This was as well done in a narrative form on
the different interview questions where the researcher organized statements and responses
from different respondents and the researcher generated useful conclusions and
interpretations on the research objectives but were reported in a narrative form.

19
1.10.5. Ethical Consideration.

The study was guided by the ethical consideration that confined to confidentiality of the
respondents to participate in the study. The researcher first presented an introductory letter
and an identity card to the target population requesting for maximum participation and
cooperation as the study was purposely academic. Later, the researcher assured them that the
information produced is only to be kept for academic purposes and their identity will not be
disclosed. This was done to ensure that no one suffers adverse consequences from the
research objectives.

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4.0 DATA PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS

This chapter four is the presentation, analysis and interpretation of the findings to the study.
The presentation was based on the objectives of the study. The presentation also includes a
computation of the rate of response rate and the demographic data of the respondents.

Response Rate

Response rate (also known as completion rate or return rate) in survey research refers to the
number of people who answered the survey divided by the number of people in the sample
(Aday, 1996: 79). It is normally expressed in the form of a percentage. Before delving into
the analysis of data collected, an assessment of the response rate was done. This was done by
dividing the number of the respondents who were met (involved) and given the data
collection tools or interviewed by the targeted categories of respondents in each case and
therefore the response rate was 100%. Since the researcher reached out on 33 members and
all of them managed to give out the information to the researcher.

Additionally, from the findings, it was revealed that most of the respondents were male this
therefore indicated that, Male gender are more involved in the matters of Buganda Lukiiko
though even their female counterparts take part but on a small extent.

4.1 The transformational changes the Lukiiko has undergone from 1900-1993

This section presents data on the transformational changes the Lukiiko has undergone as
collected from the respondents;

According to the information from the respondents, it was clearly revealed that the Buganda
Lukiiko has undergone many changes and among them is the limitation on the number of the
Lukiiko members. During the interview session, the researcher revealed that before the 1900
agreement the number of members of the Lukiiko was not clearly defined however after
signing the 1900 Buganda agreement the number of Lukiiko members was clearly defined
and the number of Lukiiko representatives went up to 89 members. Actually one of the local
cultural leaders had this to say;

“…………….what I remember from the things history of the Lukiiko I have read, the
Buganda Lukiiko had no limitation of the number of members of the Lukiiko because
before the 1900 agreement the Kabaka (King) could just appoint anyone to represent
21
 the interest of the people but when the 1900 Buganda agreement was signed, the
Buganda Lukiiko comprised of Ministers, Saza Chiefs, notables appointed by the
Kabaka, Other persons of importance selected by the Kabaka which was not the case
before………”

Additionally, one of the members of Lukiiko had this to say,

“………since the Buganda Lukiiko lacked both social and political autonomy, the
excluded social categories started organising themselves into associations such as the
Bataka Movement, Buganda Growers Association and Buganda Traders
Associations. Therefore in 1939, the Kabaka agreed to nominate a non-official to
Buganda Lukiiko in place of Miluka chiefs. The Kabaka provisionally nominated
these non-official representatives to the Buganda Lukiiko………”

More so, one of the former members of the Buganda Lukiiko had this to say during the
interview;

“……………when the Kabaka started to nominate a non-official to the Buganda

Lukiiko, his practice did not solve the problem of representation to the Buganda
Lukiiko. There were numerous demands that the people elect their own
representatives. This was granted in 1945, the election of the thirty one unofficial
members was done through electoral colleges……..”

On the election or selection of the members of the Lukiiko, the respondents had this to say
during the interview sessions;

One of the former members of the Buganda Lukiiko narrated that;

“……….after the 1900 Buganda agreement, through the electoral colleges, a

minimum of 20 registered voters in attendance was necessary at Miluka elections and
these voters had male, and at least 21 years old Permanent residence in the Miluka.
According to him, candidates were not to be government employees, and candidates
who had been imprisoned for a bad offence were also excluded. This enabled the
Lukiiko became more representative with the onset of independence…..”

More still, one of the members of the Buganda Lukiiko reported that,

22
 “………..after the 1900 Buganda agreement, the indirect elections to the Buganda
Lukiiko were replaced by direct elections based on political party competition and
this was done in order to introduce the concept of separation of powers in the
governance of the Buganda Lukiiko……..”

The prime minister also indicated that,

“…………Buganda Lukiiko was known as Ssabasajja or Ssabataka’s Supreme

Council and it was working closely with the Buganda Bataka, Heads of Clans
Council. It was recognised by the state as the sole institution it negotiated with for the
return of Buganda’s traditional institution………..”

4.2 Responses on the role of Buganda Lukiiko on the social, political and economic
development of Buganda Kingdom.

From the findings from the field using interview guides, it was revealed that the Buganda
Lukiiko plays an important role of legislating by-laws of the Kingdom and these by-laws are
for all the people of Buganda. In fact one of the Local cultural leaders had this to say;

“……….the Buganda Lukiiko is charged with legislating by-laws of the Buganda

kingdom, but is not allowed by the state government to legislate political
matters…….”

This clearly indicated that, Buganda Lukiiko is a legislative assembly with highly esteemed
members that come together to discuss Buganda’s political, economic, social and cultural
matters and formulate its bi-laws thus playing that vital role in the Kingdom.

Data also indicated that, the Buganda Lukiiko has a duty of protecting the Buganda
Constitution and promote the democratic governance of Buganda. In point of fact the prime
Minister of Buganda had this to say during the interview,

“…………as you see the parliament of Uganda, even the Buganda Lukiiko has a duty
of protecting the Buganda constitution and also helping the Kabaka (Ssabasajja) to
promote good governance in Buganda….”

Furthermore, data indicated that, the Buganda Lukiiko plays an important role of approving
all this as suggested by the Kabaka for promoting social, economic and political affairs of the

23
kingdom for example Protection and preservation of the integrity of the Kingdom and the
Kabaka, Strengthening of institutional and administration structures of the Kingdom among
others. One of the former members of the Buganda Lukiiko had this to say,

“………the Buganda Lukiiko (parliament) plays a role of deliberating a number of

issues, mainly looking into the achievements reached in every year and the way
forward of how the five strategic objectives of the Kingdom can be achieved in a
certain period of time……”

Data from the field also indicated that, the Buganda Lukiiko plays a role of establishing a
network of organizational linkages both externally and internally with various organisations
in order to promote, strengthening and preserving the Buganda’s cultural traditions, values
and integrity. In fact one of the members of the Lukiiko had this to say,

“…………the Buganda Lukiiko is linked with various organizations such as the

Gwanga Mujje Community Organization (Ottawa), the North American Buganda
Development Foundation (Bulungi Bwansi), Ebika by'Abaganda mu Sweden among
others and some external organizations have been a source of funds to the Lukiiko
and other activities in Buganda aimed at strengthening the kingdom. In order to
achieve an efficient flow of information the Buganda Lukiiko established the Central
Broadcasting Corporation CBS…..”

Additionally, the Prime minister of Buganda pointed out that;

Through the Buganda Lukiiko, the kingdom issues out scholarships to needy students
and the Lukiiko also mobilises resources necessary to deal with the street children.
We are also encouraging voluntarism and community participation in projects in
Buganda right from the Village level, Muluka level, Ssaza level and in the Kingdom
atlarge….”

4.3 Challenges faced by Buganda Lukiiko from 1900-1993

Findings from the field indicated that, Buganda Lukiiko is faced with a challenge of limited
resources to protect, strengthening, preserving and promotion of the Kingdom. In this line,
one of the local cultural leaders had this to say;

24
 “………….Buganda Lukiiko is faced with a challenge of limited resources to conduct
investigations on its own because recently in 2010, the Kasubi tombs were destroyed
by fire. The cause of the fire is as yet unknown. The Buganda kingdom has promised
to conduct independent investigations into the fire, alongside the national police
force. Some of the major buildings there were almost completely destroyed by fire,
and as a result, it was included in the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger……”

Findings also indicated that, the Buganda Lukiiko is faced with a challenge of limited funds
and also limited commitment to implement the programmes for the benefit of the Buganda
kingdom. Actually, the prime minister of Buganda had this to say during the interview
session;

“………..some members of the Lukiiko are not commitment to the activities that
benefit Buganda Kingdom, that’s why during the opening of the 22nd Lukiiko session
at Bulange-Mengo, the Kabaka pointed out that, it was pointless to discuss good
ideas and simply leave them on paper. He quoted Kabaka as saying that, “It is not
good practice to give good ideas that can help build Buganda and Uganda as a whole
and simply leave them on paper….”

25
5.0 Conclusions and recommendations

In conclusion therefore it should be noted that, Mengo the seat of government of the kingdom
of Buganda was one of the major centres of power. Unfortunately, at this critical time Mengo
failed to provide national leadership, and instead concentrated on entrenching Buganda’s
regionalism. Moreover, as Kasozi (2013), notes the economic and political power in Buganda
was concentrated in a few families, hence creating a wealthy and powerful ruling elite,
popularly known as the Mengo Establishment. They developed an acute form of superiority
complex and directed the political and economic agenda of Buganda and were preoccupied
with preserving the Buganda sub-state not in order to protect the general interests of the rest
of Buganda but in order to protect the elite’s privileges. (Kasozi, 2013).

The study also concludes that, the challenge for the restored Monarchy and the Buganda
Kingdom Lukiiko as a whole is to revive and harness their traditional and cultural institution
in order to play their noble role in the attaining of sustainable economic and social
development at a regional level, within the greater Uganda. Certainly, this requires concerted
effort in blending the cultural resources with human, physical, financial, and technological
resources within a well co-ordinated framework. Accordingly, in an innovative way, the
Buganda Kingdom Lukiiko intended to work closely and tirelessly with the central
government and the private sector fraternity using that combination of resources to overcome
the problem of poverty and other societal ills in Buganda and Uganda as a whole. It was
against that background that the Buganda Lukiiko presented the Buganda Kingdom
Development Strategy (BKDS), code-named ‘The Royal Development Drive (RDD)’, that
was to guide the Kingdom’s community development programmes within Buganda Kingdom
region within the subsequent ten years.

26
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Gay, L. R, Educational Research: Competencies for Analysis and Application. New

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Hart, C,Doing your masters dissertation. London, UK: Sage Publications,2005.

Jacobsen, T, "Primitive Democracy in Ancient Mesopotamia". Journal of Near Eastern

Studies,1943.

Karlsson, Gunnar, The History of Iceland.2000.

Karugire,S.R.,A political history of Uganda,London,Heinemann educational books,1980.

Kayunga Sallie Simba,The Buganda Lukiiko;Change and continuity in Traditional systems of

Governance, in Mawazo The journal of the,faculties of Arts and social sciences
MakerereUniversity,Kampala,vol 9,1,2010.

Krejcie,&Morgan.Determining Sample Size for Research Activities. Educational and

Psychological Measurement,1970.

Low,D.A, The advent of populism in Buganda,Combridge University press,vol 6,4,1964.

MpangaM.R.KabakaMutebi Revives Baganda Traditional System of Justice, 2015.

Mugenda, O.M. &Mugenda, A.G. Research Methods, Nairobi, ACTS Press,1999.

Museveni, Y. K. Constitutional Transition in Museveni's Uganda,1994.

Patton, M. Q. Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods, London, UK: Sage

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27
Schiller Lawrence.D.,Theroray women of Buganda,The international journal of African
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UNSECO (2001). Buganda, the World Heritage Site

APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1: RESEARCH WORKPLAN AND TIME FRAME

TIME FRAME

ACTIVITY NOV DEC FEB MAR APRIL MAY JUNE

SYNOPSIS WRITING

PROPOSAL

WRITING

AND APPROVAL

DATA COLLECTION

DATA ANALYSIS

AND

INTERPRETATION

DRAFT REPORT

WRITTEN

DRAFT CORRECN

FINAL REPORT

WRITING

SUBMISSOIN

28
APPENDIX 2:BUDGET ESTIMATE
No ITEM QUANTITY UNITCOSTS TOTALCOSTS
01 Pens 1 dozen 4000 4000
02 Reams of papers A4 (1) 14000 14000
03 Pencils 5 250 1250
04 Note books 2 2500 5000
05 Box files 1 7000 7000
06 Stapling machines 1 4500 4500
07 Total amount 35750shs
Secretarial services
No ITEM QUANTITY UNIT COST TOTALCOSTS
01 Typing and printing 35 pages *3 1000 50000
02 Communication 10days 5000 50000
03 Transport 10 times 10000 100000
04 Editing and printing 50pages*4 300 15000
05 Precautionary 150000shs
06 TOTAL 350000shs
GRAND TOTAL 450750

29
APPENDIX 3: INTERVIEW GUIDE

1. When did the Lukiiko of Buganda emerge?

2. What is the organisational structure of the Lukiiko?

3. What are the functions of the Lukiiko?

4. Do you consider the Lukiiko as an indispensable organ of the Kingdom of Buganda?

Why?

5. What do you consider as the major challenges of the Lukiiko to date?

6. Can you narrate the stages through which the Lukiiko has progressed over the years?

7. What have been the major achievements of the Lukiiko?

8. How different is the Lukiiko of today from that of the pre-colonial period?

9. How does the young generation of Buganda today view the Lukiiko

10. What powers does the Lukiiko have today?

30