Joseph Bossa, former Vice President of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), offers a fresh perspective on the 1966 crisis in his book “Statehood on Trial, Thoughts on the 1966 Uganda Political Crisis”. Bossa challenges the conventional narrative that solely blames Prime Minister Apollo Milton Obote for the attack on the palace of Kabaka Fredrick Mutesa II.
Instead, Bossa argues that the crisis was a contest to unite the State of Uganda, rather than a personal vendetta against the Kabaka. He points to the disputed counties of Buyaga and Bugangazzi as the primary factor that strained relations between Mutesa and Obote. These counties, originally part of the Bunyoro Kingdom, were awarded to Buganda by colonialists in 1900.
Bossa’s account highlights the complexities of Uganda’s independence negotiations, particularly the agreement to hold a referendum in the disputed counties. The referendum, held in 1964, saw voters choose to return the counties to Bunyoro, much to Mutesa’s dismay.
The book also sheds light on Mutesa’s attempts to safeguard his interests, including collaborating with allies like Daudi Ocheng, Grace Ibingira, and Brigadier Shaban Opolot. Bossa questions the motives behind these actions, wondering if they were genuinely aimed at protecting the Kingdom or furthering personal ambitions.
Ultimately, Bossa’s work encourages a nuanced understanding of the 1966 crisis, moving beyond simplistic narratives and instead embracing the intricacies of Uganda’s history. By doing so, he hopes to promote truth-telling and reconciliation, rather than perpetuating a culture of mourning and political exploitation.
