10 Popular Books about the History of Uganda

Are you an enthusiast of Uganda’s history, a student, politician, or a tourist planning to visit Uganda in the future? These 10 popular books about the history of Uganda will give you an insight about the evolution of the cultures, politics, religions, and the social life of the people of Uganda. This way, you will have a clear understanding of their public holidays such as Independence Day, the series of presidents they have had since independence, etc.

Note that you may not have to read all these books, but depending on your interest of study, you may want to choose two or three history books to take you on a journey of discovery and the evolution of Uganda as a whole. Without any further ado, let’s dive into our list of these popular Ugandan history manuscripts.

History Books about Uganda

1. In Idi Amin’s Shadow – by Alicia C. Decker

Alicia C. Decker’s work is one of the most popular books about the history of Uganda on the market. It focuses on examining the experiences of women in Uganda during the period of Idi Amin’s rule from 1971 to 1979. She explores how Amin’s military dictatorship affected women’s lives, roles, and identities, shedding light on the unique ways in which women experienced and resisted authoritarianism and militarism.

Overall, Alicia C. Decker’s book provides a valuable contribution to scholarship on Ugandan history, gender studies, and African politics. “In Idi Amin’s Shadow” offers readers a deeper understanding of the complexities of women’s experiences under authoritarian rule and the ways in which gender shapes and is shaped by political power and violence.

2. The Uganda Protectorate – by Sir Harry Johnston

Sir Harry Johnston served as the British Commissioner in Uganda from 1899 to 1901, during a critical period of British colonial rule in the region. His experiences and observations during his time in Uganda formed the basis of “The Uganda Protectorate.”

The book was first published in 1902 and is considered a significant work on the history, geography, and anthropology of Uganda during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It provides a comprehensive account of Uganda’s geography, natural history, indigenous peoples, cultures, and political developments during the early years of British colonial rule.

3. Uganda: The Dynamics of Neocolonialism – by Mahmood Mamdani

Mahmood Mamdani, a prominent Ugandan scholar, political scientist, and author. Published in 1979, the book offers a critical analysis of the political and social dynamics in Uganda, particularly focusing on the period following independence from British colonial rule in 1962 up to the time of publication.

Mamdani’s analysis delves into various aspects of Ugandan society and politics, including the role of foreign powers, the impact of multinational corporations, the persistence of unequal power relations, and the manipulation of ethnic identities for political gain. He explores how these dynamics have contributed to instability, inequality, and conflict within Uganda right from her history.

4. A History of Uganda – by M.S.M. Kiwanuka

“A History of Uganda” by M.S.M. Kiwanuka is a comprehensive examination of the historical development of Uganda from ancient times to the contemporary period. The book provides insights into the country’s political, social, economic, and cultural evolution, offering readers a deeper understanding of Uganda’s rich and diverse history.

“A History of Uganda” is considered a seminal work on Ugandan history and has been praised for its scholarly rigor, balanced analysis, and accessible writing style. It remains a valuable resource for students, scholars, and anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Uganda’s past and its significance in shaping the present-day realities of the country.

5. Decolonization and Independence in Kenya and Uganda – by Bruce J. Berman

Bruce J. Berman, a renowned historian and scholar of African history, explores the complex interactions between colonial authorities, indigenous populations, nationalist movements, and external forces during this transformative period in Kenya and Uganda.

The book examines how the experiences of colonial rule differed between Kenya and Uganda, as well as the distinct strategies adopted by nationalist movements in each country. Berman highlights the role of key individuals and organizations in the struggle for independence, as well as the impact of external factors such as World War II and the Cold War on the decolonization process.

6. Uganda Since Independence – by Phares Mutibwa

Phares Mutibwa, a Ugandan historian and academic, draws on his expertise in African history and politics to explore the factors that have shaped Uganda’s development over the past few decades. He examines key events, trends, and policies that have influenced the country’s path, shedding light on both the achievements and failures of post-independence Uganda.

One of the central themes of the “Uganda Since Independence” is the idea of “unfulfilled hopes,” reflecting the aspirations of Ugandans for a better future following independence and the disappointment that has often accompanied the realization of those hopes. Mutibwa explores how factors such as political instability, authoritarianism, ethnic tensions, and economic mismanagement have hindered Uganda’s progress and contributed to its challenges.

7. The Baganda – by John Roscoe

“The Baganda” is considered a valuable resource for scholars, anthropologists, historians, and anyone interested in the culture and history of Uganda. Roscoe’s book provides invaluable insights into the rich and vibrant traditions of the Baganda people, shedding light on their customs, beliefs, and social structures.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge that Roscoe’s work reflects the perspective of a colonial-era outsider, and some aspects of his analysis may be influenced by the biases and assumptions of his time. Nonetheless, “The Baganda” remains an important and influential study of Ugandan culture, contributing to our understanding of the diversity and complexity of African societies.

8. Uganda: The Cradle of Mankind – by J. C. D. Lawrance

The book covers various aspects of Uganda’s history, geography, and culture. It discusses the country’s diverse landscapes, including the Great Rift Valley, the Rwenzori Mountains, and the vast Lake Victoria. Lawrance also explores Uganda’s rich biodiversity, highlighting its unique flora and fauna, including iconic species like the mountain gorillas.

In addition to its natural wonders, Lawrance examines Uganda’s cultural heritage, tracing the origins and development of various ethnic groups and kingdoms in the region. He discusses the significance of sites such as the Kasubi Tombs and the Uganda Martyrs Shrine, which are important cultural and religious landmarks in the country.

9. The Uganda Society: A Historical Note – by Hilda Kuper

Hilda Kuper, a British anthropologist and academic, wrote this historical note in the context of her research interests in African societies and cultures. The Uganda Society, founded in 1923, played a crucial role in facilitating scholarly research, fostering cultural exchange, and preserving Uganda’s heritage.

Moreover, Kuper likely examines the contributions of The Uganda Society to the study of Ugandan history, anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, and other fields. The society likely organized lectures, conferences, and exhibitions, as well as published scholarly journals and books to disseminate knowledge about Uganda’s diverse cultures, traditions, and history.

10. Idi Amin: Hero or Villain? – by Sandy Balfour

The book traces Amin’s journey from a humble background to becoming one of Africa’s most notorious leaders. It delves into his military career, including his rise through the ranks of the British colonial army and his eventual ascent to the presidency of Uganda following a military coup in 1971.

Balfour provides insights into Amin’s rule, characterized by widespread human rights abuses, political repression, and economic mismanagement. He explores the impact of Amin’s regime on Ugandan society, including the persecution of ethnic minorities, the expulsion of Asians from Uganda, and the collapse of the country’s economy.

Conclusion

Those are some of the popular books you will want to read in case you are interested in learning about the history of Uganda. We hope you find a book or two from our list that will interest you. In case you want to find more books written by Ugandan authors, please check out our recent blog about Uganda literature.