The Bugisu Cultural Institution has launched a new legal-cultural education series titled “Ask the Spokesperson.” The program, which will be serialized through The Ankole Times, aims to provide accurate cultural and legal insight on matters affecting Bugisu and Uganda’s broader historical context.
In the inaugural edition, Spokesperson Steven Masiga responded to a letter from Engineer Sakwa, addressing two key constitutional concerns.
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Whether Uganda had a pre-independence constitution, and
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Under what legal authority the Minister of Gender renamed Inzu Ya Masaba to the Bugisu Cultural Institution.
Response to Engineer Sakwa – Dated 17 August
Good afternoon Engineer Sakwa and others,
Apologies for my delayed response, I’ve been quite occupied, but I will briefly address the matter concerning Uganda’s pre-independence constitution.
Contrary to your claim, Uganda did have a pre-independence constitution. It was drafted by Ugandans in preparation for the country’s independence, around 1961. Notable Ugandan delegates participated in the constitutional discussions in London, including:
- Prof. Katamba (Bunyoro),
- Mwambale and Edward Othio (Karamoja),
- And representatives from the Bamasaaba.
Uganda’s political landscape at the time was represented by major parties such as the Democratic Party (DP) and Uganda People’s Congress (UPC). The DP opposed the inclusion of a “Kabaka clause” in the constitution—much like how some today oppose the authority of His Highness the Umukuka. Eventually, Buganda withdrew its demand to embed that clause.
The number of Ugandan participants in the constitution-making process was around 110, although it varied over time.
It is important to note that the Government of Her Majesty the Queen had lost interest in directly governing Uganda, which necessitated internal preparations for independence—among them, constitution drafting.
I must express concern that you, Engineer Sakwa, seem to downplay this significant constitutional milestone, which was a monumental achievement for a young nation.
In summary:
- Yes, Uganda had a constitution before independence, and
- That constitution was drafted by Ugandans, not simply handed down through colonial orders or proclamations.
For the record, colonial Orders in Council, such as the one from 1902, were administrative tools—not Ugandan constitutional enactments.
