Mutesa I (ca. 1838-1884) was a kabaka, or monarch, of Buganda and one of the outstanding African rulers of the 19th century. Under his dynamic leadership Buganda became one of the most powerful and influential kingdoms of East Africa.

Mutesa Walugembe Mukabya was the son of the reigning kabaka, Suna II; his mother's identity is in dispute. Since Buganda had no fixed system of succession, Mutesa was one of many eligible for the position of kabaka. Backed by powerful members of Ganda society, he rose from obscurity to that office in 1856. The first years of his reign were troubled, but by a ruthless exercise of authority he eliminated all opposition, in the process greatly strengthening the powers of his office. By the end of his reign, Buganda was regarded as possessing one of the most centralized ruling structures in all of Africa.

Mutesa ruled Buganda during the period...