Role of World War II:

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African nationalism was greatly influenced by World War II fought from 1939 to 1945 in which East African men were involved. It trained some East Africans on how to use guns, exposed them to military weakness of the Whites, and exposed Africans to ideas of democracy from American soldiers.

Impact of Western Education- it led to rise and growth of African Nationalism. The few Africans who went to schools, like King’s College Budo acquired a common language, English. This made communication very easy between the nationalists of different races! They were able to hear and share what other fighters were saying about good democracy during the World War. Speaking English helped them into tap the secrets of colonialists.

Role of personalities: Nationalism in East Africa was led by a few educated Africans, such as Julius Nyerere, Milton Obote, Mayanja Nkangi, Jomo Kenyatta, Tom Mboya, and others. These led the masses in popular demonstrations and rallies demanding for independence.  The development of the press and the emergence of urban centers, such as Kampala, Nairobi, Entebbe, and Dar es Salaam.Men from the diaspora: Men from the diaspora played a significant role in the

struggle for independence. Many East Africans were living abroad, like UK and other common wealthy states. They gave support and encouragement for the rise of African Nationalism.

Demand for opportunity and inclusion: The colonized people did not accept the harsh discrimination and the lack of opportunity that was a central part of the colonial experience. This was particularly strong among educated Africans who believed that “all humans are created equal.” Discrimination policies and practices restricted economic opportunities and participation in the political process by Africans. The educated Africans formed organizations to promote and end this discrimination.

Religious opposition: The early anticolonial uprisings were led by religious leaders. African Christians took seriously the Christian teachings on equality and fairness-values that were not practiced by colonial regimes. The churches provided a strong voice for justice. The Maji-Maji (Tanganyika) uprisings were led by African priests who were strongly opposed to colonial rule.

Economic opposition: Trade unions were formed to call for workers’ rights and economic opposition, for example, the Young Kikuyu Association in Kenya in 1921. The farmers also had a greater impact by resisting colonial demands on their labour and their land. Mass protests. The mass protests were against colonial policies and aimed at destroying colonial property. The colonial policies led to the growth of African

nationalism in East Africa. Evils of colonialism such as forced labour, over-taxation, land alienation, racial discrimination, and forced growing of cash crops among others made the people of East Africa hate the colonial masters.

Highlight the relevant textbooks or internet sources for the learners to attempt the task. Ensure that you mark the learner’s books, and award the learners marks accordingly. Give timely feedback to the learners to make corrections where necessary.

Understanding the approaches used by the people   of  East Africa to attain independence    (Time: 80minutes)

1. Find out the dates when each East African state gained independence.
2. Draw a table, and identify the reasons why one got independence early and others later.
3. What were the key steps taken in the struggle for independence in Tanganyika? Share your findings with the rest of the class.
4. Form groups and demonstrate one of the steps used to attain independence in Uganda.

Likely Answers

Dates when East Africa got her independence:

• December, 1961-Tanganyika
• October, 1962-Uganda
• December, 1963-Kenya

2) Table showing why Tanganyika got her independence early

• Tanganyika lacked tribal parties that were in Kenya and Uganda.
• Tanganyika had trade Unions which were stronger than those of Uganda and Kenya.

1) Steps taken in the struggle:

• Formation of political parties
• Uprisings
• Rebellions and strikes

2) Suggestive responses

Steps Taken in the Struggle for East African Independence

In the East African colonies, modern nationalism began to take shape after the end of the Second World War. The struggle for independence in East Africa involved uprisings and strikes, most especially, in the colonial farms and mining areas. This was a reaction to low pay, brutality by the colonial administrators, alienation, and other reasons. The struggle for independence started with the formation of political parties.

Table below shows political parties that were formed during the struggle for independence.

Resistance also took the shape of rebellions, for example, the Mau Mau Rebellion in Kenya, the Hehe Rebellion in Tanganyika, and the Nyangire Rebellion, led by Omukama Kabalega of Bunyoro in Uganda.

With your guidance, help the learners to prepare a skit about one of the steps used in the struggle of Uganda’s independence. Tell the learners to visit the library or computer laboratory in order to attempt the activity given to them in the Learner’s Book. Make sure that they are attentive and actively participating.

Exploring the steps taken in the struggle for East African  independence 

1. Explain the following steps taken in the fight for independence:

       a) uprising                  b) strikes                 

• Using role play, organize yourselves into groups, and act out one step towards attaining independence in East Africa.
• Using the internet or any other source, of information, explain the contribution of political parties in Uganda’s struggle for independence. Present your findings to the class.

Likely answers

1) Steps taken in the struggle:

• Uprisings were acts of resistance of the Africans against European colonial rule.
• Strikes were refusals of Africans to work for Europeans in an attempt to resist colonial rule.
• Learners organize themselves to role-play one of the steps towards attaining independence.
• Contribution of political parties:
• As a result of pressure from political parties, Africans got access to white-collar jobs.
• They made concrete proposals for constitutionalism and independence.
• Advocated for the growth and sustainability of democracy.
• They also advocated for the equality of races.
• Promoted and secured complete unity of people which facilitated the struggle for independence.
• Influenced the nationalistic struggles against colonial rule.

The Contribution of the Devonshire White Paper in the Struggle for Kenya’s Independence

What is a White Paper? Do you know of any White Papers in Uganda? What was it about?

The Devonshire White Paper was a document that was written in 1923 to resolve the tension between European settlers and Africans. It addressed the status of settlers (of all races) and natives in the colony of Kenya. It was written by the Colonial Secretary, Victor Christian William Cavendish, the 9th Duke of Devonshire.

The genesis of the Devonshire White Paper lies in the Legislative Council (Legco), which was established in 1907. The Legco consisted of three official members (civil servants) and three non-official members. These were settlers nominated by the governor to represent white settler interests. These settlers, led by Lord Delamere, started demanding for elected representatives in the Legco. In doing this, they quoted one of the foremost canons of taxation: “No taxation without

representation.” Such demands did not include the rights of Asians or Kenyans.

By 1920, there was tension between the settlers: the Asians, Europeans, and the indigenous people. The Europeans wanted complete dominance of the economy and politics of the country, while the Africans and Asians wanted representation in the Legislative Council. This resulted in conflicts. Therefore, a conference for the three conflicting parties was called in London by the Colonial Secretary, the Duke of Devonshire. After serious investigations and political bargaining, the Colonial Secretary issued his findings and resolutions in a White Paper which was named after him, as the Devonshire White Paper. It was also known as the Devonshire Declaration.

Impact of the Devonshire White Paper on the Struggle for Independence in Kenya

None of the three groups were pleased with the outcome of the paper.

The Asians failed to win equal status with the whites; they were denied the right to occupy the Kenyan Highlands.

They were given a few representatives on the Legislative Council and had to use different roles since inequality persisted. The Paper was a great disappointment to the Asian community.

The White settlers lost their dream of every colonial Government in London. They had to shelve the idea, for at least some time. The Paper confirmed Kenya as a settler colony coming in. It also recognized the contribution made by the settler community towards the economic development of Kenya.