Fabrication of Empire
The British and the Uganda Kingdoms, 1890–1902

This book examines how and why the British were able to establish a colonial government in what became known as 'Uganda'.

D. A. Low (Author)

9780521843515, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 9 April 2009

382 pages, 7 maps
23.5 x 15.8 x 2.4 cm, 0.74 kg

Review of the hardback: '… an important and carefully crafted study of the dynamics of colonial hegemony in eastern Africa.' Journal of British Studies

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.

Subject Areas: Colonialism & imperialism [HBTQ], Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900 [HBLL], African history [HBJH], British & Irish history [HBJD1], General & world history [HBG]