Michael Kawalya Kagwa

Michael Hamilton Kawalya-Kaggwa was an influential politician who served as the Katikiro (chief minister/ prime minister) of the Kingdom of Buganda from 1945 to 1950. He died on 9 September 1971 leaving behind a large family including a widow, Mrs. Olive Amelia Kawalya Kaggwa (of Ghanaian decent) and her two sons. Kawalya Kaggwa's father, Apollo Kaggwa, was an influential Katikiro and regent. ^{[1] [2]} He was a significant figure in Uganda's moving forward in modernization and acquiring independence in 1962.

Political career

Kawalya was appointed as Buganda's prime minister/ Katikiro in 1945 to 1950.

Kawalya Kaggwa was one of the first three African representatives appointed to the Uganda Legislative Council (LEGCO) ^[3] in December 1945. He was honored with an OBE (Order of the British Empire) ^[4] in 1949. Kawalya also served in the military during World War II, he joined the seventh (Uganda) Territorial Battalion of the King's African Rifles in 1939, serving as a Second Lieutenant and quartermaster in East Africa and Somaliland.

Legacy and Advocacy

Kawalya Michael Kaggwa is widely remembered in Uganda for his 1945 request to the colonial government to support the development of essential infrastructure, including hydro-electric power, piped water, and an organized postal system. His vision is credited with laying the groundwork for Uganda's later economic growth, and a monument was erected in his memory on Kampala Road.

Personal life

• Born on January 8, 1898, he was the son of Sir Apollo Kaggwa, another highly influential former Katikkiro and regent of Buganda.He married Catherine Margaret Nanjobe in 1921, and they had several children. He passed away on September 9, 1971.

See also

• Charles Mayiga

• John Baptist Walusimbi

References

1. World Statesmen: Uganda
2. Low, D. A. (1971). Buganda in Modern History. Berkeley: University of California Press. ISBN   978-0-520-01640-8.
3. "History of Parliament | Parliament of Uganda". www.parliament.go.ug. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
4. "Uganda in celebrating 60 years of electricity connection honours Kawalya-Kaggwa - The EastAfrican". www.theeastafrican.co.ke. Retrieved 16 December 2025.