Omukama Chwa II Kabalega, born on June 18, 1853, was the ruler or Omukama of Bunyoro, also known as Bunyoro-Kitara, a Bantu kingdom in Western Uganda, from 1870 to 1899, and a legendary hero who fought against British colonialism.
Kabalega ascended to the throne of the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom in 1869, at the young age of 16, inheriting a kingdom with a rich history and cultural heritage. Inspired by the tales of Omukama CHWA I Ente-Nkore Rumoma-Mahanga, he embarked on a journey to lead his people with courage and determination.
Under his leadership, the kingdom witnessed a revival in various sectors including agriculture, trade, and military prowess. He invested in reclaiming lost territories, bolstered food production, and promoted the thriving trade networks that characterized the region, which was renowned for its iron smelting and the Kibiro Salt Works.
As British imperial ambitions grew, so did their attempts to assert authority over the kingdoms and chieftaincies of East Africa. Bunyoro-Kitara, with its strategic location and resources, became a target for British expansionism. However, King Kabalega was not one to yield easily to foreign domination.
A military genius, Kabalega orchestrated strategic victories, including the memorable defeat of Sir Samuel Baker, the Governor-General of Equatoria, at Masindi in June 1872. 2. His skill in outmaneuvering and countering colonial forces earned him respect and admiration from his subjects and neighboring kingdoms.
However, Kabalega’s defiance against British colonial ambitions ultimately led to conflict. In 1894, the British declared war on Bunyoro, igniting a fierce resistance led by Kabalega. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Kabalega retreated to the northern region of Acholi, where he continued to lead his rebellion, known as “Nyangire,” for five relentless years.
During this tumultuous period, Kabalega’s resilience posed a significant challenge to the British colonial administration.
The turning point came on April 9, 1899, when Kabalega was captured by British forces after being wounded in battle. Subsequently, he was exiled to Seychelles for 24 years, leaving behind a kingdom under colonial rule and his son, Kitahimbwa, to inherit a diminished throne directly administered by the colonial authority.
Despite his exile, Kabalega’s legacy endured. His defiance and courage inspired generations of Ugandans and Africans to resist oppression and fight for self-determination. In 1923, Kabalega was granted permission to return to Bunyoro, but fate intervened, and he passed away before reaching the borders of his beloved kingdom.
In recognition of his enduring legacy, Murchison Falls, nestled within Murchison Falls National Park, was renamed Kabalega Falls by President Idi Amin in 1972. Kabalega’s place in the pantheon of African heroes was further cemented on June 8, 2009, when President Yoweri Museveni honoured him posthumously as a national hero of Uganda.
