Patriotism and neo-traditionalism in Buganda: the Kabaka Yekka (‘The King Alone’) movement, 1961-1962

This article draws on research conducted in Uganda in 1965 and in 1969 and is based on press reports, interviews and the Kanaka Yekka files once owned by S.K. Masembe-Kabali, former secretary-general of the movement, and now deposited in the Library at Makerere University College. The Kabaka Yekka was formed in May 1961. Its objective was to unite the Baganda behind the throne, the symbol and guarantee of Buganda’s separate identity which seemed to be endangered by the National Democratic Party government. Described are the several stages in the development of the movement until by February 1962 Kabaka Yekka had become the party for the Baganda and for the status quo within Buganda. Notes, summary.