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Uganda Timeline
Travel through our timeline of major events in Uganda's history.
500 B.C.-1300 A.D.
Bantu-speaking people migrate to the region. They establish the state of Buganda.
NORTH WIND PICTURE ARCHIVES/AP
1862
British explorer John Speke is the first European to visit Buganda.1894-1900
Britain takes control of the area, calling it Uganda. Britain recognizes the kabaka, or Buganda tribal king, as ruler, but maintains its authority.1926
The Toro- Semliki Wildlife Reserve becomes the nation's first protected area.1962
Uganda gains independence. The Buganda king, Mutesa II, becomes president, with Milton Obote as prime minister.1967
Obote imposes a new constitution, which makes him president and abolishes all of Uganda's tribal kingdoms.
BRIAN CALVERT—AP
1971
Military leader Idi Amin overthrows Obote. During Amin's cruel eight-year rule, an estimated 300,000 people are killed.1978
Amin attacks Tanzania. Ugandan exiles and Tanzanian troops invade Uganda. Amin is forced out of the country in 1979.1986
Yoweri Museveni takes power. He brings stability and improved human rights protection.1993
A constitutional amendment restores the kingdom of Buganda and other kingdoms.2000
Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya join to form the East African Community and pledge cooperation.
ESDRAS NDIKUMANA—AFP/GETTY IMAGES