Decolonization through Constitutional Means

Decolonization through Constitutional / Peaceful Means

This refers to the process of independence struggle through peaceful means that is without the use of armed struggle. Some African countries which used this means were Tanganyika (now Tanzania), Uganda, Gold Coast (Ghana).

Tanganyika (Tanzania)

Conditions which facilitated constitutional/peaceful struggle for independence in Tanganyika were as follows

1. Tanganyika was a mandated colony under the British since 1945 thus a UN delegation had always made follow up to ensure that Tanganyika was prepared to be self-governing.
2. The role played the mass media such as Sauti ya TANU newspaper which was very much used by TANU to spread its policies and mass mobilization enabled TANU to have mass support not only in the urban centre's but also in the remote areas where there was some literacy.
3. The wide use of Kiswahili as a lingua franca throughout the country. Kiswaswili was spoken by a large population in Tanganyika. Therefore, it eased communication and brought unity among the people of Tanganyika.

Problems experienced during the struggle for independence in Tanganyika

1. Opposition from other political parties like ANC and UTP. United Tanganyika Party (UTP) preferred racial parity in making the government while TANU was against that. TANU was based on the general interests, such as cattle tax, terracing and destocking. TANU called for democratic election of the legislative council (LEGCO) and demanded democracy.
2. The British colonial government made everything possible to ban TANU by calling it an illegal movement. The civil servants were also prevented from joining the party. The colonial government sponsored the formation of reactionary organizations such as United Tanganyika Party (UTP) which was formed by the chiefs and Europeans in 1956.

Decolonization process in Uganda

The emergence of nationalist ideas in Uganda was delayed due to the following factors

1. Militant nationalism did not emerge early.
2. Forced labor and land alienation were not critical in Uganda.
3. Indirect rule favored the growth of local autonomy to some extent. Because of this many rulers became conservative.
4. Lack of political force in the legislative council. Political parties in Uganda.

Factors that hindered nationalist struggles in Uganda

1. Tribalism: Tribes in Uganda such as Baganda and Bunyoro didn't unite and struggle for independence.
2. Religious conflicts: The Roman Catholic introduced by the French and Protestant introduced by the British were always in antagonism. This weakened nationalist struggles.
3. Regionalism: The southern Uganda was more developed than the northern parties in terms of social amenities. So, it was difficult for these parts to unite and fight for independence.
4. Class division: The major problem was land tenure system whereby the Buganda agreement between Kabaka Daudi and the British divided the land in the crown land and Malolanda (common land).
5. Education: The Buganda was more favored in education than other tribes. This discounted people.
6. Poverty: Most of the nationalists were financially weak which made mass organization poor among the Ugandans.