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The Buganda collaboration and why the Kabaka Mutesa I collaborated with the Europeans

Answer Text:
The Buganda collaboration.
By the mid 19th century, Buganda had become the most powerful state in the interior of East Africa. However despite this might, the Kabakas (Mutesa I and Mwanga) chose the path of collaboration instead of resisting the European intrusion.
Why kabaka Mutesa I (1856-1884) collaborated with the Europeans:
a) His kingdom was under threat form Khedive Ishmael of Egypt. He therefore wanted British assistance against the Egyptian threat.
b) There was threat from his traditional enemy, Omukama Kabalega of Bunyoro Kingdom.
c) Mutesa wanted to establish a centralized
religious authority over Buganda to counter their power wielded by the traditional priest of the Lubaale Cult and the Muslim power and influence.
d) He wanted modernization and to gain Prestige from association with the Europeans. For example, western education and medicine.
Kabaka Mwanga’s collaboration (1884-1898)
Mwanga’s main problem when he took over power was religious indecision which eventually generated political instability.