The Kabaka Crisis was the result of political reforms led by the Governor of Uganda, Andrew Cohen. Cohen and other like-minded British officials favoured a united Uganda with Buganda enjoying less political autonomy. Growing tensions due to the proposed reforms saw the Kabaka of Buganda being deported to Britain although he would later return two years later.

The following was reported in The Times on the deportation of the Kabaka:

“QUIET IN BUGANDA

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ASSEMBLY MEETING TO-DAY

KAMPALA, DEC 1

The deportation of the Kabaka and the declaration of a state of emergency have been a stunning blow to Buganda, but at dusk this evening there has been no untoward incident. Troops and police have been in evidence, and security arrangments appear to be as complete as possible. The authorities have put into force the necessary minimum of emergency regulations.

One hundred thousand copies of the letter of the Governor, Sir Andrew Cohen, to the Baganda have been distributed. The Katikiro (Chief Minister) has also circulated leaflets in Kampala, calling upon the people to remain calm, and this evening information service vans are broadcasting a statement by him which he recorded this afternoon.

A statement by the Uganda National Congress this morning, while denouncing the deportation as an insult to the Kabaka and his people and calling for a commission of inquiry, also appeals to the people to remain calm. It was reported late yesterday afternoon that the Nalinya, the Kabaka’s sister, collapsed and died when the news of the British decision was broken to her; she will be buried tomorrow at the tomb of the kings.

This morning the Katikiro addressed a crowded meeting in the Lukiko (African Assembly) and explained the course of events at Government House yesterday. The final conference, which was the culmination of two months’ discussion, was attended by the Governor, the Chief Secretary, the Kabaka, a member of his household, and his three Ministers. The Kabaka was asked to give an assurance that he would abide by the decision of her Majesty’s Government. This he refused to do.

The Governor then told him that there was no alternative but to withdraw recognition from his as African ruler of Buganda. Sir Andrew Cohen signed a proclamation, emergency regulations, and deportation order, and the Kabaka was taken to Entebbe airport. His request to be allowed to take his assistant private secretary with him to England was granted.

Kampala, Dec. 1.–Mr. Kavuma, the Katikiro, said to-day that some of his speech to the Lukiko earlier had been mistranslated. He said he had stated that the Governor had asked the Kabaka to accept the Colonial Office replies to demands for self-government, federation assurances, and Lukiko representatives on the Legislative Council. The Kabaka had refused to accept the replies, but offered to submit them to the Lukiko, making it clear that he disapproved of them. British recognition of him was then withdrawn, Mr. Kavuma said. The Governor refused to transmit a cable to the British Colonial Secretary in which the Kabaka explained his position.–Reuter.

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The Kabaka arrived at the Royal Air Force station, Tangmere, Sussex, in a Hastings aircraft yesterday, and left for London in an R.A.F. car. He has left at his palace in Kampala his queen, the Nabagereha, and his two-year-old daughter Nasolo.”

Source: ‘Quiet in Buganda’, The Times, 1 December 1953

Buganda was afforded greater autonomy under the Uganda Agreement of 1955 but had to concede outright statehood.