Mwanga II

A 19th-century Ugandan king who fiercely resisted British colonialism, inspiring African resistance movements.

Mwanga II (c. 1868–1903), also known as Mutesa II's successor, was the Kabaka (king) of Buganda from 1884 to 1888 and later exiled. His reign marked a critical period of conflict with British colonial forces and Christian missionaries. Mwanga opposed the rapid spread of European influence and sought to preserve Buganda’s sovereignty. His execution of Protestant and Catholic converts in 1885, seen as an attempt to curb missionary power, led to a British-backed rebellion led by Anglican missionary Arthur Makubuya and others. After his overthrow, Mwanga was exiled to the Seychelles, where he remained until his death. His defiance became a symbol of resistance against colonial oppression, later influencing figures like Apollo Kagwa and the Uganda national movement.

Learn more about Mwanga II’s legacy on Wikipedia or in historical analyses of African colonial struggles.