essay

The changing economic structure of Buganda

king's men : leadership and status in buganda on the eve of independence • London • Published In 1964 • Pages: 16-63

By: Wrigley, C. C..

Abstract

This is a study of changes in the distribution of wealth in Buganda from before the establishment of British rule in 1900 up to the 1950s. Buganda of the 1800s was a predatory state based on a secure and stable form of agriculture. Power, honor, and wealth were derived from military exploits and not from the land. Beginning in 1870s, the importation of guns created a new elite corps of fusiliers drawn largely from among the palace pages. In 1888 a Protestant faction of the new elite caried out a coup d'etate and afterwards became the agents of British rule. The construction of the railway to the coast and the introduction of cotton and coffee changed agriculture into a profitable business, which after 1925 was largely based on small family farms, tenancy and immigrant labor. Successful famers come from all classes: gentry, peasants and merchants, however political office continued to hold the greatest status and prestige.

HRAF PubDate

1998

Region

Africa

Sub Region

Eastern Africa

Document Type

essay

Evaluation

Creator Type

Social Scientist

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

Analyst

Ian Skoggard ; 1997

Field Date

unknown

Coverage Date

1800-1955

Coverage Place

Uganda

Notes

C. C. Wrigley

Includes bibliographical references

LCCN

64002741

LCSH

Ganda (African people)