Nuwa Mbaguta

Nuwa Mbaguta was a Munyankole by birth, born in 1862. He suffered greatly in his early life as an orphan. He abandoned his relatives and went seek his fortunes at the Court of Ntare V. from here, his rise to prominence did not take long.

Full of courage and possessing a rich sense of humour, Mbaguta was praised by Omugabe's army even before he joined it. Because of his humble character and fearlessness, he was appointed guardian of Omugabe's residence.

When Mbaguta started his military career, he joined the Omugabe's favourite military unit. Immediately he became close to the Omugabe because of his skill in wrestling and his fearlessness. As a result he was nicknamed Rutimwa (the feared one)

Mbaguta soon became very popular in the army. He participated in many military expeditions and he effectively mastered military and political skills. By the time the British reached Ankole he was already a figure to reckon with.

In 1894, he signed a treaty of friendship and protection with Major Cunningham, a British agent on behalf of Ntare V.

Upon the death of King Ntare V in 1895, Mbaguta supported Kahaya's claim to the throne against Rwagatorogo. This was to work in his favour.

In his shrewdness and far sightedness, Mbaguta realised that the British had come to stay and therefore, he had to co-operate with them.

Mbaguta personally supervised the construction of the road, which was to be used by the British Commissioner.

In return for the good job well done, the British appointed him the Prime Minister of Ankole, a position that had not existed before.

From there on Mbaguta assisted the British in furthering their colonial ambitions. He also brought all the chiefs under his control.

With his assistance the Ankole kingdom was expanded to include the kingdoms of Buhweju, Igara, Kajara, part of Bunyaruguru and parts of Mpororo. All these areas had become part of the Ankole kingdom by 1910. Mbaguta worked tirelessly to bring the Southern and Western parts of Uganda under British control.

He boosted formal education by encouraging the establishment of mission schools in Ankole.

By the time he retired from government in 1938, Mbaguta had done a lot of work for the welfare of his people. He died in 1944 after the quality service given to the nation.