Fabrication of Empire: The British and the Uganda Kingdoms, 1890–1902
Cambridge University Press, 4/9/2009
EAN 9780521843515, ISBN10: 0521843510
Hardcover, 382 pages, 22.9 x 15.2 x 2.2 cm
Language: English
During the 1890s, the Scramble for Africa created the new country of Uganda. This inland territory carved out by British agents first encompassed some 20–30 African kingdoms. In his magisterial study, Anthony Low examines how and why the British were able to dominate these rulerships and establish a colonial government. At the same time, the book goes beyond providing a simple narrative account of events; rather, Low seeks to analyse the conditions under which such a transformation was possible. By skilfully negotiating the many complex political and social undercurrents of this period, Low presents a groundbreaking theoretical model of colonial conquest and rule. The result is a major contribution to debates about the making of empire that will appeal to Africanists and imperial historians alike.
1. Prologue
survey and agenda
2. Statecraft
external intrusion and local dominion
3. Ferment
conversion and revolution in Buganda
4. Upcountry
might-have beens and the Buganda/Uganda outcome
5. Warbands
new military formations and ground-level imperialism
6. Paramountcy
Toro, Busoga and the new overlords
7. Defeat
Kabarega's resistance, Mwanga's revolt and the Sudanese mutiny
8. Succession
Nkore and the war of Igumira's Eye
9. Denouement
aggregations and rulerships
10. Government
colonial settlements and the Buganda model
11. Capstone
honour, awe and imperialism
12. Round up and review
Select bibliography.
'The appearance of Low's book on the creation of Uganda is especially welcome, coming as it does at the end of a distinguished career spent examining empire, its local impact, and its dismantling in both East Africa and South Asia.' The Journal of African History