A state by definition simply means a politically organized people of a definite territory who respond to common political control that is a central authority of leadership. In this case therefore, a centralized state or society may be defined as consisting of a number of communities ruled by a central authority.

Map of East Africa showing Major tribes

This centralized authority may be represented by a king or by an association of individuals who formulate regulations and laws governing the whole centralized community. Classical examples of centralized societies include Buganda, Bunyoro, Ankole, among others

Politically, a central authority represented either by a king or by an association of individuals was the overall controller of all political, economic and social affairs of a given society.

It was organized in a way that society had to be administered, by making policies and regulations without being questioned by the people concerned.

Also it was the central authority which controlled the army, land and other affairs of that society, it’s decisions were final, in other words, centralized systems epitomized the highest degree of autocracy in the pre-colonial African societies.

Militarily, most of these societies had a regular well trained and equipped army which equally was under the control and sole command of the central authority. Their duties were the protection or defense of the society and expanding their territories. Therefore, the survival of the central authority was greatly vested in the hands of the army.

Economically, the economies of these states were controlled by a central authority but given that many of them were situated in the fertile tropical rain forest, the savannas and on the plateau and some by sea coastal plains, they were greatly involved in three types of economic activities.

Among these were agriculture, trade and industry. Although tributes from the vassal states were also of great significance in some of these societies.

Socially, these societies were characterized by social stratification in which societies were divided into classes including the ruling class of the nobility, the dignitaries, the class of the commoners and slaves.

Closely related, women were grossly marginalized for they had a very little role to play especially in societies’ administration. Their noble activities were confined to kitchens and gardens until post-colonial period era.

Religion was another social aspect that played a very important role as a uniting factor for the rulers were looked at as having a higher position than the ordinary men because they practiced both political and religious duties. In other words, religion gave the kingly office extra-ordinary powers over the natural forces.

It also made the monarchy a symbol of unity of the entire community and a focus for the sentiment of loyalty. The above analysis in all supplies an over view of the common features or characteristics of pre-colonial centralized societies whose details can be analyzed from the following case studies.