Question
b) Examine either the Here or the Bunyoro resistance to the establishment of colonial the __ (12 marks) 4(a) What were the four causes of the Maji Maji rebellion against the Germans in 1905-1907
Solution
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Ewan
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Answer
b) **The Bunyoro Resistance to Colonial Rule:**The Bunyoro kingdom, located in western Uganda, presented significant resistance to British colonial encroachment. Their resistance stemmed from several key factors:* **Loss of Independence and Kabalega's Defiance:** King Kabalega (sometimes spelled Kabarega) fiercely defended Bunyoro's sovereignty. He viewed the British as invaders threatening his kingdom's independence and his own authority. He refused to accept British "protection" or their attempts to install puppet rulers. This defiance became a rallying point for Bunyoro resistance.* **Economic Grievances:** The British imposed taxes and exploited Bunyoro's resources, particularly ivory and later rubber. This economic exploitation fueled resentment and contributed to the desire to resist British control.* **Religious Factors:** While not the primary cause, the introduction of Christianity by missionaries was seen by some as a threat to traditional Bunyoro religious beliefs and practices, further adding to the anti-British sentiment.* **Military Strength:** Bunyoro possessed a relatively strong and organized military compared to some neighboring kingdoms. Kabalega's military experience and strategic skills allowed him to sustain resistance for a longer period. He employed guerilla warfare tactics, making it difficult for the British to subdue his forces quickly.The Bunyoro resistance, though ultimately unsuccessful, was prolonged and fierce. Kabalega's eventual capture and exile marked the end of organized resistance, but the spirit of resistance continued to simmer within the kingdom.4(a) **Four Causes of the Maji Maji Rebellion:*** **Forced Cotton Cultivation:** The German colonial administration implemented a brutal system of forced cotton cultivation. Local populations were compelled to grow cotton for export, often at the expense of their own food crops. This led to widespread famine, resentment, and economic hardship, providing a major catalyst for the rebellion.* **Brutal Treatment and Exploitation:** German colonial officials and their appointed Akidas (local administrators) often employed harsh and exploitative practices, including forced labor, physical abuse, and land confiscation. This brutal treatment fueled anger and a desire for retribution.* **Loss of Traditional Authority:** The German administration undermined the authority of traditional leaders, replacing them with their own appointees. This disrupted existing social structures and created resentment among those who lost their positions and influence.* **The Kinjeketile Ngwale and the Maji Maji Belief:** Kinjeketile Ngwale, a spiritual leader, claimed to possess a protective medicine called "Maji Maji" (water in Swahili). He preached that this medicine would turn German bullets into water, inspiring a widespread belief in invulnerability among the rebels. This belief, combined with existing grievances, provided a powerful unifying force and encouraged widespread participation in the rebellion.