Traditional forms of government in Eastern Africa

A. Traditional form of government of the Buganda kingdom

- Buganda kingdom was located to the North West of L.Victoria and South West of L.Kyoga.
- It had its capital at Mengo in present day Kampala.
- It was ruled by hereditary kings whose title was Kabaka.
- It had a centralized government headed by a king.
- Leadership was hereditary i.e from father to son.
- Kabaka's symbol of office was royal fire, royal drums, shield and stool.
- The kingdom had a parliament called Lukiiko.
- The king was helped by some officials that include;
- The king was also assisted by a council of elders called Bataka
- The king was called Ssebataka meaning head of Bataka.
- The king as the Commander-in-Chief was assisted by Muyasi the army Commander and Gabuya as the Navy Commander.
- To make administration easier the kindgom was divided into the following units;

B. Traditional form of government of the Nyamwezi

- The Nyamwezi people are Bantus in Central Tanzania.
- They are believed to have come from the west (the direction of the moon) where they got their name "Nyamwezi" people of the moon.
- Before the coming of Europeans, they were ruled by chiefs called Ntemi or Mutemi.
- Several villages put together, formed Gunguli headed by Ntemi or Mutemi.
- Ntemi was helped by a council of elders called Wanyamphala.
- Ntemi was also assisted by other officials like;

Similarities between the Buganda and Nyamwezi traditional forms of government

- In both leadership was hereditary.
- In both power was controlled under the head leader.
- Both Kabaka of Buganda and Ntemi of Nyamwezi controlled trade.
- In both the head leader was the Commander-in-chief of the Army.

Differences between the Buganda and Nyamwezi traditional forms of government

- Buganda was ruled by hereditary king while Nyamwezi was ruled by hereditary chiefs.
- Buganda was a kingdom while Nyamwezi was a Chiefdom.

Aspects of good governance in traditional societies

- Good governance means good qualities in leadership that lead to good results.
- Some of the aspects of good governance include;

1. Using community resources well without misusing.
2. Setting good example through moral behaviour.
3. Observing the laws of the society.
4. Respecting other people's views and opinions.
5. Promoting dialogue in decision making.

Regional Co-operations in Eastern Africa

- The East African Community was formed in 1967.
- Initially, its members were Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
- The presidents of the three countries came together to form the organization.
- It had its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
- In 1977, the EAC collapsed due to political differences between the three countries.
- The EAC was revived in 1988 as East African Cooperation.
- In 2001 it changed its name to East African Community as the original one, with the headquarters remaining in Arusha.
- As of today, the members at the moment included;- Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Objectives of the East African Community (EAC)

- Promote research, science and technology.
- Promote trade among member states.
- Establish a common market.
- Improve infrastructure in the member states.
- Allow the movement of people and goods.

Benefits of the East African Community to member states

- Has allowed free movement of people and goods.
- Has increased trading activities among the member states.
- Has helped in the improvement of infrastructure.
- Has created common market for goods produced in the region.

Challenges the East African Community

- Production of similar goods especially agricultural products.
- Lack of common currency.
- Lack of good will by the leaders.
- Poor means of transport and communication in some countries.
- Political instability in some countries hinders smooth co-operation.

Solutions to challenges facing the East African Community

- Lowering tariffs and taxes.
- Members to diversify the goods of trade.
- Solving political differences to create political stability.
- Allowing free movement of goods and people.