An East African Attempt at Federalism (1960-1964): A Study in Historical Jurisprudence

Between 1960 and 1964, the three East African countries of Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika formed a federation. By the end of 1964, the federation attempt had failed. The factors that contributed to the failure of the federation are largely attributable to the structural characteristics of Uganda polity. The institution of the Kabaka of Buganda and the protectionist attitude of the government of Milton Obote, though in favour of Pan-Africanism, were apprehensive of the risks it perceived in such a federation. Uganda came to prefer a loose functional association, less compact than a confederal arrangement.