Some of the major events in Uganda’s history
- 500 B.C. – 1300 A.D. Bantu-speaking people migrate to the region. They establish the state of Buganda.
- 1862 British explorer John Speke is the first European to visit Buganda.
- 1894-1900 Britain takes control of the area, calling it Uganda. Britain recognizes the kabaka, or Buganda tribal king, as ruler, but maintains its authority.
- 1962 Uganda gains independence. The Buganda king, Mutesa II, becomes president, with Milton Obote as prime minister.
- 1967 Obote imposes a new constitution, which makes him president and abolishes all of Uganda’s tribal kingdoms.
- 1971 Military leader Idi Amin overthrows Obote. During Amin’s cruel 8 year rule, an estimated 300,000 people are killed.
- 1978 Amin attacks Tanzania. Ugandan exiles and Tanzanian troops invade Uganda. Amin is forced out of the country in 1979.
- 1986 Yoweri Museveni takes power. He brings stability and improved human rights protection.
- 1993 A constitutional amendment restores the kingdom of Buganda and other kingdoms.
- 2000 Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya join to form the East African Community and pledge cooperation.
- 2008 After years of fighting, a cease-fire agreement is signed with the Lords Resistance Army rebel group.
Highly recommended is also the Bwindi National Park.
