Basil Kiiza Bataringaya (1927 – 18 September 1972) was a prominent Ugandan politician in
post-independence Uganda. He was the
Leader of the Opposition
The Leader of the Opposition is a title traditionally held by the leader of the largest political party not in government, typical in countries utilizing the parliamentary system form of government. The leader of the opposition is typically se ...
at the beginning of the
Apollo Milton Obote
Apollo Milton Obote (28 December 1925 – 10 October 2005) was a Ugandan political leader who led Uganda to independence from British colonial rule in 1962. Following the nation's independence, he served as prime minister of Uganda from 1962 to ...
government, and then he
changed parties and was appointed to the powerful role of
Ugandan Minister of Internal Affairs. He was
imprisoned
Imprisonment is the restraint of a person's liberty, for any cause whatsoever, whether by authority of the government, or by a person acting without such authority. In the latter case it is "false imprisonment". Imprisonment does not necessari ...
,
torture
Torture is the deliberate infliction of severe pain or suffering on a person for reasons such as punishment, extracting a confession, interrogation for information, or intimidating third parties. Some definitions are restricted to acts c ...
d, and was one of the first
political prisoner
A political prisoner is someone imprisoned for their political activity. The political offense is not always the official reason for the prisoner's detention.
There is no internationally recognized legal definition of the concept, although n ...
s to be executed by the
Idi Amin
Idi Amin Dada Oumee (, ; 16 August 2003) was a Ugandan military officer and politician who served as the third president of Uganda from 1971 to 1979. He ruled as a military dictator and is considered one of the most brutal despots in modern w ...
regime.
Early life
Birth
Basil Kiiza Bataringaya was born in 1927, in the village of
Kantojo, in the county of
Igara
The Igálá are one of the ethnic groups found in Nigeria. The Igala played significant roles in the formation of Nigeria having been made host to the capital of Nigeria at Lokoja in the past, with Lugard as the Governor. The Igala Kingdom expa ...
, in the
Bushenyi District
Bushenyi District is a district in Western Uganda. Like many other Ugandan districts, it is named after its chief town, Bushenyi, where the district headquarters are located.
Location
Bushenyi District is bordered by Rubirizi District to the no ...
of the
Ugandan Protectorate.
His father was Marko Kiiza, who was the Ssaza Chief of
Bunyaruguru Bunyaruguru was a kingdom in what is today Uganda. It became a part of the British Ankole protectorate
A protectorate, in the context of international relations, is a state that is under protection by another state for defence against aggress ...
at the time.
A Ssaza was the equivalent of a county in the newly created administration divisions after the absorption of the
Ankole
Ankole (Nkore language, Runyankore: ''Nkore''), was a traditional Bantu peoples, Bantu kingdom in Uganda and lasted from the 15th century until 1967. The kingdom was located in south-western Uganda, east of Lake Edward.
History
Ankole Realm, K ...
Kingdom in to the British
Protectorate of Uganda
The Protectorate of Uganda was a protectorate of the British Empire from 1894 to 1962. In 1893 the Imperial British East Africa Company transferred its administration rights of territory consisting mainly of the Kingdom of Buganda to the Brit ...
, as a part of the Ankole Agreement of 1901. The Ankole Agreement set the boundaries of the
Bunyaruguru Bunyaruguru was a kingdom in what is today Uganda. It became a part of the British Ankole protectorate
A protectorate, in the context of international relations, is a state that is under protection by another state for defence against aggress ...
Ssaza as "On the north-west by the ''Dweru Channel''; on the east by the Chambura River, the recognized Bunyaruguru-lgara and Kamsura-Igara boundaries; on the south by the Rwenchwera River; on the west by
Lake Albert Edward", and gave Bataringaya's father a powerful position in southwestern
Uganda
}), is a landlocked country in East Africa
East Africa, Eastern Africa, or East of Africa, is the eastern subregion of the African continent. In the United Nations Statistics Division scheme of geographic regions, 10-11-(16*) territor ...
during the early 20th century.
Education
Bataringaya attended
St. Leo's College, Kyegobe, a
residential
A residential area is a land used in which housing predominates, as opposed to industrial and commercial areas.
Housing may vary significantly between, and through, residential areas. These include single-family housing, multi-family residen ...
boys' secondary school of
Catholic
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with 1.3 billion baptized Catholics worldwide . It is among the world's oldest and largest international institutions, and has played a ...
curriculum, located in
Fort Portal
Fort Portal or Kabarole is a city located in the Western Region of Uganda. It is the seat of both Kabarole District and historically of the Toro Kingdom.
Location
Fort Portal in Kabarole District is located approximately by road, west of Kampal ...
,
Kabarole District
Kabarole District is a district in Western Uganda. Kabarole District is part of the Kingdom of Toro. Its main town was Fort Portal before 1st July 2020 when it was elevated to a city, separating it from Kabarole district Government.
The new Kaba ...
in the
Western Region of
Uganda
}), is a landlocked country in East Africa
East Africa, Eastern Africa, or East of Africa, is the eastern subregion of the African continent. In the United Nations Statistics Division scheme of geographic regions, 10-11-(16*) territor ...
from 1945 to 1947. He then attended the Government Teacher Training College of
Uganda
}), is a landlocked country in East Africa
East Africa, Eastern Africa, or East of Africa, is the eastern subregion of the African continent. In the United Nations Statistics Division scheme of geographic regions, 10-11-(16*) territor ...
(TTC) from 1948 to 1949.
He then attended
Makerere University
Makerere University, Kampala (; Mak) is Uganda's largest and oldest institution of higher learning, first established as a technical school in 1922. It became an independent national university in 1970. Today, Makerere University is composed of ni ...
,
Uganda
}), is a landlocked country in East Africa
East Africa, Eastern Africa, or East of Africa, is the eastern subregion of the African continent. In the United Nations Statistics Division scheme of geographic regions, 10-11-(16*) territor ...
's top university, from 1953 to 1956.
It was at
Makerere University
Makerere University, Kampala (; Mak) is Uganda's largest and oldest institution of higher learning, first established as a technical school in 1922. It became an independent national university in 1970. Today, Makerere University is composed of ni ...
that Bataringaya began his political career, becoming the University College Guild president for the 1955 to 1956 term.
Teaching career
After graduating from
Makerere University
Makerere University, Kampala (; Mak) is Uganda's largest and oldest institution of higher learning, first established as a technical school in 1922. It became an independent national university in 1970. Today, Makerere University is composed of ni ...
, Bataringaya became a secondary school teacher.
He taught at
Ntare Secondary School, a
residential
A residential area is a land used in which housing predominates, as opposed to industrial and commercial areas.
Housing may vary significantly between, and through, residential areas. These include single-family housing, multi-family residen ...
single-sex all boy's secondary school located in
Mbarara
Mbarara City is a city in the Western Region of Uganda and the second largest city in Uganda after Kampala. The city is divided into 6 boroughs of Kakoba Division, Kamukuzi Division, Nyamitanga Division, Biharwe Division, Kakiika Division, Nyakay ...
,
Mbarara District, Uganda.
He then became the school supervisor of the
Ankole
Ankole (Nkore language, Runyankore: ''Nkore''), was a traditional Bantu peoples, Bantu kingdom in Uganda and lasted from the 15th century until 1967. The kingdom was located in south-western Uganda, east of Lake Edward.
History
Ankole Realm, K ...
Catholic schools from 1959 to 1961, when he was first elected to the
Parliament of Uganda
The parliament of Uganda is the country's legislative body. Unicameral, the most significant of the Ugandan parliament's functions is to pass laws that will provide good governance in the country. The government ministers are bound to answer t ...
.
Political career
Transitional Government
Bataringaya ran as a member of the
Democratic Party of Uganda for the legislative seat for the Ankole District to the
Uganda Legislative Council
The Uganda Legislative Council (LEGCO) was the predecessor of the Parliament of Uganda, prior to Uganda's independence from the United Kingdom. LEGCO was small to start with and all its members were Europeans. Its legislative powers were limited, ...
in the transitional government between the colonial-era
Uganda Protectorate
The Protectorate of Uganda was a protectorate of the British Empire from 1894 to 1962. In 1893 the Imperial British East Africa Company transferred its administration rights of territory consisting mainly of the Kingdom of Buganda to the Brit ...
and the
Republic of Uganda
}), is a landlocked country in East Africa. The country is bordered to the east by Kenya, to the north by South Sudan, to the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the south-west by Rwanda, and to the south by Tanzania. The souther ...
in the first Ugandan nationwide
direct election
Direct election is a system of choosing political officeholders in which the voters directly cast ballots for the persons or political party that they desire to see elected. The method by which the winner or winners of a direct election are cho ...
s, the March
1961 Ugandan general election
General elections were held in Uganda on 23 March 1961.Dolf Sternberger, Bernhard Vogel, Dieter Nohlen & Klaus Landfried (1978) ''Die Wahl der Parlamente: Band II: Afrika, Zweiter Halbband'', p2325 They were the first time direct elections to the ...
s. Bataringaya quickly became popular within the
Democratic Party of Uganda that controlled government following its win of 44 of the 82 contested seats, and Bataringaya was appointed to be the first Minister of Local Government for
Uganda
}), is a landlocked country in East Africa
East Africa, Eastern Africa, or East of Africa, is the eastern subregion of the African continent. In the United Nations Statistics Division scheme of geographic regions, 10-11-(16*) territor ...
's first
post-colonial
Postcolonialism is the critical academic study of the cultural, political and economic legacy of colonialism and imperialism, focusing on the impact of human control and exploitation of colonized people and their lands. More specifically, it is a ...
independent government under
Benedicto Kiwanuka
Benedicto Kagimu Mugumba Kiwanuka (8 May 1922 – 22 September 1972) was the first prime minister of Uganda, a leader of the Democratic Party, and one of the persons that led the country in the transition between colonial British rule and indepe ...
.
Leader of the Opposition
Following agreements made by 48 Ugandan representatives, including prominent Ugandan politician
A.G. Mehta, at a September 1961 Constitutional Convention meeting in London, England, the
Ugandan Legislative Council of the transitional government between the colonial-era
Uganda Protectorate
The Protectorate of Uganda was a protectorate of the British Empire from 1894 to 1962. In 1893 the Imperial British East Africa Company transferred its administration rights of territory consisting mainly of the Kingdom of Buganda to the Brit ...
and the
Republic of Uganda
}), is a landlocked country in East Africa. The country is bordered to the east by Kenya, to the north by South Sudan, to the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the south-west by Rwanda, and to the south by Tanzania. The souther ...
became the
Parliament of Uganda
The parliament of Uganda is the country's legislative body. Unicameral, the most significant of the Ugandan parliament's functions is to pass laws that will provide good governance in the country. The government ministers are bound to answer t ...
, which was then formally dissolved so that the
1962 Ugandan general election could occur on 25 April 1962, the first elections held under an entirely independent Ugandan government. Bataringaya ran again as a member of the
Democratic Party of Uganda in his
Ankole constituency and was reelected. Bataringaya lost his ministerial positions as a result of the election, as the
Ugandan People's Congress
The Uganda People's Congress (UPC; sw, Congress ya Watu wa Uganda) is a political party in Uganda.
UPC was founded in 1960 by Milton Obote, who led the country to independence and later served two President of Uganda, presidential terms unde ...
won 37 of the 82 seats and formed an alliance with the
Kabaka Yekka
Kabaka Yekka, commonly abbreviated as KY, was a monarchist political movement and party in Uganda. ''Kabaka Yekka'' means 'king only' in the Ganda language, Kabaka being the title of the King in the kingdom of Buganda.
History Formation
In ...
party that won 21 of 82 seats, giving this new alliance 58 of the 82 seats in the
Parliament of Uganda
The parliament of Uganda is the country's legislative body. Unicameral, the most significant of the Ugandan parliament's functions is to pass laws that will provide good governance in the country. The government ministers are bound to answer t ...
, taking control away from the
Democratic Party of Uganda who won 24 of the 82 seats and became the official party of the opposition.
Bataringaya was recently elected Secretary General of the
Democratic Party of Uganda in 1961, and became the second most powerful member of the
Democratic Party Democratic Party most often refers to:
*Democratic Party (United States)
Democratic Party and similar terms may also refer to:
Active parties Africa
*Botswana Democratic Party
*Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea
*Gabonese Democratic Party
*Demo ...
after the
Prime Minister
A prime minister, premier or chief of cabinet is the head of the cabinet and the leader of the ministers in the executive branch of government, often in a parliamentary or semi-presidential system. Under those systems, a prime minister is not ...
of the transitional government between the colonial-era
Uganda Protectorate
The Protectorate of Uganda was a protectorate of the British Empire from 1894 to 1962. In 1893 the Imperial British East Africa Company transferred its administration rights of territory consisting mainly of the Kingdom of Buganda to the Brit ...
and the
Republic of Uganda
}), is a landlocked country in East Africa. The country is bordered to the east by Kenya, to the north by South Sudan, to the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the south-west by Rwanda, and to the south by Tanzania. The souther ...
,
Benedicto Kiwanuka
Benedicto Kagimu Mugumba Kiwanuka (8 May 1922 – 22 September 1972) was the first prime minister of Uganda, a leader of the Democratic Party, and one of the persons that led the country in the transition between colonial British rule and indepe ...
.
Benedicto Kiwanuka
Benedicto Kagimu Mugumba Kiwanuka (8 May 1922 – 22 September 1972) was the first prime minister of Uganda, a leader of the Democratic Party, and one of the persons that led the country in the transition between colonial British rule and indepe ...
did not run for the
Parliament of Uganda
The parliament of Uganda is the country's legislative body. Unicameral, the most significant of the Ugandan parliament's functions is to pass laws that will provide good governance in the country. The government ministers are bound to answer t ...
in the
1962 Ugandan general election and thus was ineligible for any parliamentarian positions in the first government of the
Republic of Uganda
}), is a landlocked country in East Africa. The country is bordered to the east by Kenya, to the north by South Sudan, to the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the south-west by Rwanda, and to the south by Tanzania. The souther ...
. As the highest-ranking member of the
Democratic Party of Uganda still in the
Parliament of Uganda
The parliament of Uganda is the country's legislative body. Unicameral, the most significant of the Ugandan parliament's functions is to pass laws that will provide good governance in the country. The government ministers are bound to answer t ...
, Bataringaya became the second ever
Leader of the Ugandan Opposition, replacing newly elected prime minister
Apollo Milton Obote
Apollo Milton Obote (28 December 1925 – 10 October 2005) was a Ugandan political leader who led Uganda to independence from British colonial rule in 1962. Following the nation's independence, he served as prime minister of Uganda from 1962 to ...
, and the first ever
Ugandan Opposition Leader of the new
Republic of Uganda
}), is a landlocked country in East Africa. The country is bordered to the east by Kenya, to the north by South Sudan, to the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the south-west by Rwanda, and to the south by Tanzania. The souther ...
.
As
Opposition Leader
The Leader of the Opposition is a title traditionally held by the leader of the largest political party not in government, typical in countries utilizing the parliamentary system form of government. The leader of the opposition is typically se ...
, Bataringaya worked as the chief representative of the
Democratic Party of Uganda which was operating as the resistance to the
Apollo Milton Obote
Apollo Milton Obote (28 December 1925 – 10 October 2005) was a Ugandan political leader who led Uganda to independence from British colonial rule in 1962. Following the nation's independence, he served as prime minister of Uganda from 1962 to ...
regime and the joint
Ugandan People's Congress
The Uganda People's Congress (UPC; sw, Congress ya Watu wa Uganda) is a political party in Uganda.
UPC was founded in 1960 by Milton Obote, who led the country to independence and later served two President of Uganda, presidential terms unde ...
and
Kabaka Yekka
Kabaka Yekka, commonly abbreviated as KY, was a monarchist political movement and party in Uganda. ''Kabaka Yekka'' means 'king only' in the Ganda language, Kabaka being the title of the King in the kingdom of Buganda.
History Formation
In ...
government. Bataringaya had little power as opposition leader, but worked during his tenure as
Leader of the Ugandan Opposition to protect opposition MPs from censorship, arrest, and violence.
His most significant act was to protect
Democratic Party Democratic Party most often refers to:
*Democratic Party (United States)
Democratic Party and similar terms may also refer to:
Active parties Africa
*Botswana Democratic Party
*Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea
*Gabonese Democratic Party
*Demo ...
MP
Vincent Rwamwaro of the
Tororo
Tororo is a town in the Eastern Region of Uganda. It is the main municipal, administrative, and commercial center of Tororo District.
History
Tororo was garrisoned by the Uganda Army's Air and Sea Battalion during the Uganda–Tanzania War ( ...
East constituency from an arrest that Bataringaya described as a political arrest.
On 16 August 1962, MP
Vincent Rwamwaro was arrested in his home at 6:20 am, tied with rope, thrown in the back of a pick-up truck, and sent in only his underwear and sandals before a magistrate in the court in
Nakawa
Nakawa is an area in the city of Kampala, Uganda's capital. It is also the location of the headquarters of Nakawa Division, one of the five administrative divisions of Kampala.
Location
Nakawa is located on the eastern edge of the city of Kamp ...
on charges of failing to pay his graduation tax, a charge Rwamwaro denied.
In both the 19 September 1962 and 26 September 1962 sessions of the
Parliament of Uganda
The parliament of Uganda is the country's legislative body. Unicameral, the most significant of the Ugandan parliament's functions is to pass laws that will provide good governance in the country. The government ministers are bound to answer t ...
, Bataringaya gave lengthy speeches describing the value of opposition in government, decrying threats against the opposition, and attacking both the manner and political nature of the arrest of MP Rwamwaro.
Party-Switch and Obote Government
Defection
During Bataringaya's time as Secretary General of the
Democratic Party of Uganda and as the
Leader of the Opposition
The Leader of the Opposition is a title traditionally held by the leader of the largest political party not in government, typical in countries utilizing the parliamentary system form of government. The leader of the opposition is typically se ...
and the highest ranking
Democratic Party Democratic Party most often refers to:
*Democratic Party (United States)
Democratic Party and similar terms may also refer to:
Active parties Africa
*Botswana Democratic Party
*Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea
*Gabonese Democratic Party
*Demo ...
member in government, he clashed frequently with party leader and former Prime Minister
Benedicto Kiwanuka
Benedicto Kagimu Mugumba Kiwanuka (8 May 1922 – 22 September 1972) was the first prime minister of Uganda, a leader of the Democratic Party, and one of the persons that led the country in the transition between colonial British rule and indepe ...
.
Bataringaya reportedly saw
Benedicto Kiwanuka
Benedicto Kagimu Mugumba Kiwanuka (8 May 1922 – 22 September 1972) was the first prime minister of Uganda, a leader of the Democratic Party, and one of the persons that led the country in the transition between colonial British rule and indepe ...
as arrogant and as an obstacle to the
Democratic Party of Uganda and their efforts to re-obtain control as the majority party in the
Parliament of Uganda
The parliament of Uganda is the country's legislative body. Unicameral, the most significant of the Ugandan parliament's functions is to pass laws that will provide good governance in the country. The government ministers are bound to answer t ...
.
Bataringaya attempted an intra-party coup and had the top-ruling committee of the
Democratic Party Democratic Party most often refers to:
*Democratic Party (United States)
Democratic Party and similar terms may also refer to:
Active parties Africa
*Botswana Democratic Party
*Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea
*Gabonese Democratic Party
*Demo ...
call for
Kiwanuka Kiwanuka may refer to:
* Prince Wasajja Kiwanuka (born 1980), a royal Prince from Buganda Kingdom, Uganda
* Benedicto Kiwanuka (1922–1972), first Prime Minister of Uganda
* Mathias Kiwanuka (born 1983), player in the NFL, grandson of Benedicto K ...
to step down, but in the subsequent internal elections
Kiwanuka Kiwanuka may refer to:
* Prince Wasajja Kiwanuka (born 1980), a royal Prince from Buganda Kingdom, Uganda
* Benedicto Kiwanuka (1922–1972), first Prime Minister of Uganda
* Mathias Kiwanuka (born 1983), player in the NFL, grandson of Benedicto K ...
won and retained control of the
Democratic Party of Uganda, further exacerbating the conflict between the two men.
This conflict between Basil Kiiza Bataringaya and
Benedicto Kiwanuka
Benedicto Kagimu Mugumba Kiwanuka (8 May 1922 – 22 September 1972) was the first prime minister of Uganda, a leader of the Democratic Party, and one of the persons that led the country in the transition between colonial British rule and indepe ...
ultimately led to Bataringaya crossing the aisle along with five other
Democratic Party Democratic Party most often refers to:
*Democratic Party (United States)
Democratic Party and similar terms may also refer to:
Active parties Africa
*Botswana Democratic Party
*Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea
*Gabonese Democratic Party
*Demo ...
MPs and joining the
Ugandan People's Congress
The Uganda People's Congress (UPC; sw, Congress ya Watu wa Uganda) is a political party in Uganda.
UPC was founded in 1960 by Milton Obote, who led the country to independence and later served two President of Uganda, presidential terms unde ...
, in the first high-profile party-switching in
Ugandan history. In addition to the conflict between Bataringaya and
Benedicto Kiwanuka
Benedicto Kagimu Mugumba Kiwanuka (8 May 1922 – 22 September 1972) was the first prime minister of Uganda, a leader of the Democratic Party, and one of the persons that led the country in the transition between colonial British rule and indepe ...
within the
Democratic Party of Uganda, Bataringaya's moderate political beliefs, nationalism, and desire to serve his country more efficiently have also all been cited as reasons for his decision to defect from the
Democratic Party of Uganda.
Minister of Internal Affairs
After Bataringaya's high-profile defection from the
Democratic Party of Uganda to the
Ugandan People's Congress
The Uganda People's Congress (UPC; sw, Congress ya Watu wa Uganda) is a political party in Uganda.
UPC was founded in 1960 by Milton Obote, who led the country to independence and later served two President of Uganda, presidential terms unde ...
, Bataringaya was rewarded by the leader of the
Ugandan People's Congress
The Uganda People's Congress (UPC; sw, Congress ya Watu wa Uganda) is a political party in Uganda.
UPC was founded in 1960 by Milton Obote, who led the country to independence and later served two President of Uganda, presidential terms unde ...
Prime Minister
Apollo Milton Obote
Apollo Milton Obote (28 December 1925 – 10 October 2005) was a Ugandan political leader who led Uganda to independence from British colonial rule in 1962. Following the nation's independence, he served as prime minister of Uganda from 1962 to ...
and appointed to be the new Minister of Internal Affairs of
Uganda
}), is a landlocked country in East Africa
East Africa, Eastern Africa, or East of Africa, is the eastern subregion of the African continent. In the United Nations Statistics Division scheme of geographic regions, 10-11-(16*) territor ...
.
Bataringaya quickly earned the trust of
Prime Minister Apollo Milton Obote, and earned a spot in Obote's small inner circle of trusted advisors and amassed a large policy portfolio as one of the most powerful ministers in the
Obote Obote is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:
*Milton Obote (1925–2005), former president of Uganda
*Miria Obote
Miria Obote (née Kalule; born 16 July 1936) is a Ugandan politician who was first lady of Uganda, and widow of form ...
government.
Bataringaya traveled internationally, representing Uganda on a tour of the United States and visiting
Disneyland
Disneyland is a amusement park, theme park in Anaheim, California. Opened in 1955, it was the first theme park opened by The Walt Disney Company and the only one designed and constructed under the direct supervision of Walt Disney. Disney in ...
in
Anaheim, California
Anaheim ( ) is a city in northern Orange County, California, part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. As of the 2020 United States Census, the city had a population of 346,824, making it the most populous city in Orange County, the 10th-most p ...
with his wife
Edith Mary Bataringaya
Edith Mary Bataringaya ''née Kaijuka'' (1929–1977) was a prominent Ugandan Political Activist and Ugandan Political figure in post-independence Uganda. She was a co-founder of the Ugandan Women's Union and the Uganda Council of Women alongsi ...
who headed the
Ugandan Council for Women.
He also represented the Ugandan government to the media of the world following the kidnapping of
Brian Lea, a British diplomat who was kidnapped in
Uganda
}), is a landlocked country in East Africa
East Africa, Eastern Africa, or East of Africa, is the eastern subregion of the African continent. In the United Nations Statistics Division scheme of geographic regions, 10-11-(16*) territor ...
in 1970. As a high-profile
Catholic
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with 1.3 billion baptized Catholics worldwide . It is among the world's oldest and largest international institutions, and has played a ...
involved in the administration, Bataringaya also served as a liaison between the
Catholic Church of Uganda and the
Obote Obote is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:
*Milton Obote (1925–2005), former president of Uganda
*Miria Obote
Miria Obote (née Kalule; born 16 July 1936) is a Ugandan politician who was first lady of Uganda, and widow of form ...
regime, helping open
Catholic hospitals
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the List of Christian denominations by number of members, largest Christian church, with 1.3 billion baptized Catholics Catholic Church by country, worldwide . It is am ...
and Catholic schools throughout
Uganda
}), is a landlocked country in East Africa
East Africa, Eastern Africa, or East of Africa, is the eastern subregion of the African continent. In the United Nations Statistics Division scheme of geographic regions, 10-11-(16*) territor ...
.
Also as one of
Obote's five most trusted ministers, Bataringaya was in charge of putting out numerous crises throughout his tenure as
Minister of Internal Affairs
Minister may refer to:
* Minister (Christianity), a Christian cleric
** Minister (Catholic Church)
* Minister (government), a member of government who heads a ministry (government department)
** Minister without portfolio, a member of government w ...
.
One such crisis was the
1966 Buganda Crisis, where Ugandan troops commanded by
Idi Amin
Idi Amin Dada Oumee (, ; 16 August 2003) was a Ugandan military officer and politician who served as the third president of Uganda from 1971 to 1979. He ruled as a military dictator and is considered one of the most brutal despots in modern w ...
attacked
Lubiri
Lubiri (or Mengo Palace) is the royal compound of the Kabaka or king of Buganda, located in Mengo, a suburb of Kampala, the Ugandan capital. The original Lubiri was destroyed in the May 1966 Battle of Mengo Hill, at the culmination of the strug ...
and exiled the
Kabaka
the kabaka Palace in kireka
Kabaka is the title of the king of the Kingdom of Buganda.Stanley, H.M., 1899, Through the Dark Continent, London: G. Newnes, According to the traditions of the Baganda they are ruled by two kings, one spiritual and ...
of
Buganda
Buganda is a Bantu peoples, Bantu kingdom within Uganda. The kingdom of the Baganda, Baganda people, Buganda is the largest of the traditional kingdoms in present-day East Africa, consisting of Buganda's Districts of Uganda, Central Region, inclu ...
,
Mutesa II of Buganda
Sir Edward Frederick William David Walugembe Mutebi Luwangula Mutesa II (modern spelling: Muteesa) (19 November 1924 – 21 November 1969) was Kabaka of the Kingdom of Buganda in Uganda from 22 November 1939 until his death. He was the thirty- ...
, after the
Buganda
Buganda is a Bantu peoples, Bantu kingdom within Uganda. The kingdom of the Baganda, Baganda people, Buganda is the largest of the traditional kingdoms in present-day East Africa, consisting of Buganda's Districts of Uganda, Central Region, inclu ...
n regional parliament voted to suspend
Buganda
Buganda is a Bantu peoples, Bantu kingdom within Uganda. The kingdom of the Baganda, Baganda people, Buganda is the largest of the traditional kingdoms in present-day East Africa, consisting of Buganda's Districts of Uganda, Central Region, inclu ...
's incorporation into
Uganda
}), is a landlocked country in East Africa
East Africa, Eastern Africa, or East of Africa, is the eastern subregion of the African continent. In the United Nations Statistics Division scheme of geographic regions, 10-11-(16*) territor ...
, thus leading to
Obote Obote is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:
*Milton Obote (1925–2005), former president of Uganda
*Miria Obote
Miria Obote (née Kalule; born 16 July 1936) is a Ugandan politician who was first lady of Uganda, and widow of form ...
and Bataringaya reunifying
Uganda
}), is a landlocked country in East Africa
East Africa, Eastern Africa, or East of Africa, is the eastern subregion of the African continent. In the United Nations Statistics Division scheme of geographic regions, 10-11-(16*) territor ...
by force and sending
Mutesa II of Buganda
Sir Edward Frederick William David Walugembe Mutebi Luwangula Mutesa II (modern spelling: Muteesa) (19 November 1924 – 21 November 1969) was Kabaka of the Kingdom of Buganda in Uganda from 22 November 1939 until his death. He was the thirty- ...
into exile in the United Kingdom via
Burundi
Burundi (, ), officially the Republic of Burundi ( rn, Repuburika y’Uburundi ; Swahili language, Swahili: ''Jamuhuri ya Burundi''; French language, French: ''République du Burundi'' ), is a landlocked country in the Great Rift Valley at the ...
. This use of troops was criticized and faced resistance, and Bataringaya took much of the blame as the implementer of the crisis and the killer of several other
Buganda
Buganda is a Bantu peoples, Bantu kingdom within Uganda. The kingdom of the Baganda, Baganda people, Buganda is the largest of the traditional kingdoms in present-day East Africa, consisting of Buganda's Districts of Uganda, Central Region, inclu ...
n
Kabaka
the kabaka Palace in kireka
Kabaka is the title of the king of the Kingdom of Buganda.Stanley, H.M., 1899, Through the Dark Continent, London: G. Newnes, According to the traditions of the Baganda they are ruled by two kings, one spiritual and ...
loyalists.
Idi Amin and Downfall
Attempted Arrest of Amin
Idi Amin
Idi Amin Dada Oumee (, ; 16 August 2003) was a Ugandan military officer and politician who served as the third president of Uganda from 1971 to 1979. He ruled as a military dictator and is considered one of the most brutal despots in modern w ...
, the Ugandan military official who eventually led a successful coup d'état against the
Apollo Milton Obote
Apollo Milton Obote (28 December 1925 – 10 October 2005) was a Ugandan political leader who led Uganda to independence from British colonial rule in 1962. Following the nation's independence, he served as prime minister of Uganda from 1962 to ...
government and became the third
President of Uganda
The president of the Republic of Uganda is the head of state and the head of government of Uganda. The president leads the executive branch of the government of Uganda and is the commander-in-chief of the Uganda People's Defence Force.
The in ...
, was the eventual undoing of Basil Kiiza Bataringaya's political career and ultimately his life. A rift developed between
Idi Amin
Idi Amin Dada Oumee (, ; 16 August 2003) was a Ugandan military officer and politician who served as the third president of Uganda from 1971 to 1979. He ruled as a military dictator and is considered one of the most brutal despots in modern w ...
and
President Apollo Milton Obote that was exacerbated by
Idi Amin
Idi Amin Dada Oumee (, ; 16 August 2003) was a Ugandan military officer and politician who served as the third president of Uganda from 1971 to 1979. He ruled as a military dictator and is considered one of the most brutal despots in modern w ...
's involvement in the
First Sudanese Civil War
The First Sudanese Civil War (also known as the Anyanya Rebellion or Anyanya I, after the name of the rebels, a term in the Madi language which means 'snake venom') was a conflict from 1955 to 1972 between the northern part of Sudan and the sou ...
from Idi Amin's base in the
West Nile region of
Uganda
}), is a landlocked country in East Africa
East Africa, Eastern Africa, or East of Africa, is the eastern subregion of the African continent. In the United Nations Statistics Division scheme of geographic regions, 10-11-(16*) territor ...
and
Amin's alleged support for an attempted 1969 assassination attempt on
Obote Obote is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:
*Milton Obote (1925–2005), former president of Uganda
*Miria Obote
Miria Obote (née Kalule; born 16 July 1936) is a Ugandan politician who was first lady of Uganda, and widow of form ...
, a rift that ultimately led to
Obote Obote is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:
*Milton Obote (1925–2005), former president of Uganda
*Miria Obote
Miria Obote (née Kalule; born 16 July 1936) is a Ugandan politician who was first lady of Uganda, and widow of form ...
demoting
Amin from his role as commander of all the
armed forces of Uganda to the commander of the
Army of Uganda.
Idi Amin
Idi Amin Dada Oumee (, ; 16 August 2003) was a Ugandan military officer and politician who served as the third president of Uganda from 1971 to 1979. He ruled as a military dictator and is considered one of the most brutal despots in modern w ...
was seen as a threat to the
Obote Obote is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:
*Milton Obote (1925–2005), former president of Uganda
*Miria Obote
Miria Obote (née Kalule; born 16 July 1936) is a Ugandan politician who was first lady of Uganda, and widow of form ...
government, and
Apollo Milton Obote
Apollo Milton Obote (28 December 1925 – 10 October 2005) was a Ugandan political leader who led Uganda to independence from British colonial rule in 1962. Following the nation's independence, he served as prime minister of Uganda from 1962 to ...
had Basil Kiiza Bataringaya put in charge of the last minute attempted covert arrest of
Amin.
President
Obote Obote is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:
*Milton Obote (1925–2005), former president of Uganda
*Miria Obote
Miria Obote (née Kalule; born 16 July 1936) is a Ugandan politician who was first lady of Uganda, and widow of form ...
went to a January 1971 conference with
British Conservative Prime Minister
Edward Heath
Sir Edward Richard George Heath (9 July 191617 July 2005), often known as Ted Heath, was a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1970 to 1974 and Leader of the Conservative Party (UK), Leader of the Conserv ...
alongside other African leaders like President
Julius Nyerere
Julius Kambarage Nyerere (; 13 April 1922 – 14 October 1999) was a Tanzanian anti-colonial activist, politician, and political theorist. He governed Tanganyika as prime minister from 1961 to 1962 and then as president from 1962 to 1964, aft ...
of
Tanzania
Tanzania (; ), officially the United Republic of Tanzania ( sw, Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania), is a country in East Africa within the African Great Lakes region. It borders Uganda to the north; Kenya to the northeast; Comoro Islands and ...
and President
Kenneth Kaunda
Kenneth David Kaunda (28 April 1924 – 17 June 2021), also known as KK, was a Zambian politician who served as the first President of Zambia from 1964 to 1991. He was at the forefront of the struggle for independence from British rule. Dissat ...
of
Zambia
Zambia (), officially the Republic of Zambia, is a landlocked country at the crossroads of Central Africa, Central, Southern Africa, Southern and East Africa, although it is typically referred to as being in Southern Africa at its most cent ...
to discourage
Prime Minister Heath of lifting the ban that the United Kingdom had on
selling arms to the
apartheid government of South Africa.
While there,
Obote Obote is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:
*Milton Obote (1925–2005), former president of Uganda
*Miria Obote
Miria Obote (née Kalule; born 16 July 1936) is a Ugandan politician who was first lady of Uganda, and widow of form ...
learned about another attempt on his life by Amin, and tasked Basil Bataringaya to lead an 'assassination' committee that ultimately set out to arrest Amin.
On 24 January 1971 Bataringaya attempted to use the
Ugandan National Police to storm Amin's
Command Post Kololo in
Kampala
Kampala (, ) is the capital and largest city of Uganda. The city proper has a population of 1,680,000 and is divided into the five political divisions of Kampala Central Division, Kawempe Division, Makindye Division, Nakawa Division, and Ruba ...
and arrest Amin on charges related to the assassination attempt and a 1969 court martial for
misappropriating military funds.
Amin learned about this plan through
spies
Spies most commonly refers to people who engage in spying, espionage or clandestine operations.
Spies or The Spies may also refer to:
* Spies (surname), a German surname
* Spies (band), a jazz fusion band
* "Spies" (song), a song by Coldplay
* ...
within the
Obote Obote is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:
*Milton Obote (1925–2005), former president of Uganda
*Miria Obote
Miria Obote (née Kalule; born 16 July 1936) is a Ugandan politician who was first lady of Uganda, and widow of form ...
government, and then launched his coup d'état that night, overthrowing the
Obote Obote is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:
*Milton Obote (1925–2005), former president of Uganda
*Miria Obote
Miria Obote (née Kalule; born 16 July 1936) is a Ugandan politician who was first lady of Uganda, and widow of form ...
regime on 25 January 1971 and detaining Bataringaya.
Arrest and Detention
Bataringaya was one of the first Ugandans to be detained by the new
Idi Amin
Idi Amin Dada Oumee (, ; 16 August 2003) was a Ugandan military officer and politician who served as the third president of Uganda from 1971 to 1979. He ruled as a military dictator and is considered one of the most brutal despots in modern w ...
government. In the week after Idi Amin's
coup d'état
A coup d'état (; French for 'stroke of state'), also known as a coup or overthrow, is a seizure and removal of a government and its powers. Typically, it is an illegal seizure of power by a political faction, politician, cult, rebel group, m ...
, Amin dismissed all of the ministers of
Obote Obote is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:
*Milton Obote (1925–2005), former president of Uganda
*Miria Obote
Miria Obote (née Kalule; born 16 July 1936) is a Ugandan politician who was first lady of Uganda, and widow of form ...
government but did not immediately
imprison
Imprisonment is the restraint of a person's liberty, for any cause whatsoever, whether by authority of the government, or by a person acting without such authority. In the latter case it is "false imprisonment". Imprisonment does not necessari ...
anybody except for Bataringaya. On 28 January 1971, three days after the coup d'état,
Idi Amin
Idi Amin Dada Oumee (, ; 16 August 2003) was a Ugandan military officer and politician who served as the third president of Uganda from 1971 to 1979. He ruled as a military dictator and is considered one of the most brutal despots in modern w ...
brought fifty-five
political prisoner
A political prisoner is someone imprisoned for their political activity. The political offense is not always the official reason for the prisoner's detention.
There is no internationally recognized legal definition of the concept, although n ...
s imprisoned by the
Apollo Milton Obote
Apollo Milton Obote (28 December 1925 – 10 October 2005) was a Ugandan political leader who led Uganda to independence from British colonial rule in 1962. Following the nation's independence, he served as prime minister of Uganda from 1962 to ...
government to the
Entebbe International Airport
Entebbe International Airport is the only international airport in Uganda. It is located about southwest of the town of Entebbe, on the northern shores of Lake Victoria. This is approximately by road south-west of the central business distric ...
and freed them, while also bringing Bataringaya to the event in an army
Jeep
Jeep is an American automobile marque, now owned by multi-national corporation Stellantis. Jeep has been part of Chrysler since 1987, when Chrysler acquired the Jeep brand, along with remaining assets, from its previous owner American Moto ...
under armed guard, and was the only
political prisoner
A political prisoner is someone imprisoned for their political activity. The political offense is not always the official reason for the prisoner's detention.
There is no internationally recognized legal definition of the concept, although n ...
not freed despite Amin's comment that "you need not fear for your safety since the new
government
A government is the system or group of people governing an organized community, generally a state.
In the case of its broad associative definition, government normally consists of legislature, executive, and judiciary. Government is a ...
is more interested in uniting Ugandans than anything else". Bataringaya was personally interrogated by
Amin, where he likely revealed the other officers working to arrest
Amin on 24 January 1971.
Death
While in detention, Bataringaya was
torture
Torture is the deliberate infliction of severe pain or suffering on a person for reasons such as punishment, extracting a confession, interrogation for information, or intimidating third parties. Some definitions are restricted to acts c ...
d and was imprisoned in
Makindye Prison
Makindye Prison was a Uganda government state-run prison which became notorious for extrajudicial killings and execution of government opponents during the time of Ugandan dictator, Idi Amin.
Makindye Prison started and was built as a normal civil ...
. Bataringaya was then sent to the outskirts of the town of
Mbarara
Mbarara City is a city in the Western Region of Uganda and the second largest city in Uganda after Kampala. The city is divided into 6 boroughs of Kakoba Division, Kamukuzi Division, Nyamitanga Division, Biharwe Division, Kakiika Division, Nyakay ...
, where he was
dismembered
Dismemberment is the act of cutting, ripping, tearing, pulling, wrenching or otherwise disconnecting the limbs from a living or dead being. It has been practiced upon human beings as a form of capital punishment, especially in connection with ...
alive.
His severed head was then displayed on a pole, and paraded around the town of
Mbarara
Mbarara City is a city in the Western Region of Uganda and the second largest city in Uganda after Kampala. The city is divided into 6 boroughs of Kakoba Division, Kamukuzi Division, Nyamitanga Division, Biharwe Division, Kakiika Division, Nyakay ...
until ultimately his severed head was displayed in the
Mbarara
Mbarara City is a city in the Western Region of Uganda and the second largest city in Uganda after Kampala. The city is divided into 6 boroughs of Kakoba Division, Kamukuzi Division, Nyamitanga Division, Biharwe Division, Kakiika Division, Nyakay ...
barracks.
A photograph of
Amin's soldiers leading Bataringaya on a military
Jeep
Jeep is an American automobile marque, now owned by multi-national corporation Stellantis. Jeep has been part of Chrysler since 1987, when Chrysler acquired the Jeep brand, along with remaining assets, from its previous owner American Moto ...
to his execution was taken and circulated, one of the few photographs still existing that show proof of
Idi Amin
Idi Amin Dada Oumee (, ; 16 August 2003) was a Ugandan military officer and politician who served as the third president of Uganda from 1971 to 1979. He ruled as a military dictator and is considered one of the most brutal despots in modern w ...
executing political opponents.
Immediately after Bataringaya was executed, his loyal cabal of associates were executed as well, including Tibayunga, Katuramu, Riwbashoka, Bekund, Kanyonyore, Kiherere, Rukare, Bitarisha, Kabaterine, Kanisi, and Marengane.
Edith Mary Bataringaya
Edith Mary Bataringaya ''née Kaijuka'' (1929–1977) was a prominent Ugandan Political Activist and Ugandan Political figure in post-independence Uganda. She was a co-founder of the Ugandan Women's Union and the Uganda Council of Women alongsi ...
, Bataringaya's wife and former head of the
Uganda Council of Women, was executed in 1977 during a later purge by Idi Amin, allegedly at the hands of
Juma Bashir, the governor of the
Western Province of Uganda.
Her burnt body was later found on land in
Mbarara
Mbarara City is a city in the Western Region of Uganda and the second largest city in Uganda after Kampala. The city is divided into 6 boroughs of Kakoba Division, Kamukuzi Division, Nyamitanga Division, Biharwe Division, Kakiika Division, Nyakay ...
owned by the Bataringaya family.
Family and personal life
Marriage to Edith Mary Bataringaya
Basil Kiiza Bataringaya married
Edith Mary Bataringaya
Edith Mary Bataringaya ''née Kaijuka'' (1929–1977) was a prominent Ugandan Political Activist and Ugandan Political figure in post-independence Uganda. She was a co-founder of the Ugandan Women's Union and the Uganda Council of Women alongsi ...
, who took an active role in his life and the Ugandan political scene. Edith Mary Bataringaya was born Edith Mary Kaijuka in the town of
Kabale
Kabale is a town in the Western Region, Uganda, Western Region of Uganda. It is the chief town of Kabale District, and the district headquarters are located there.
Sometimes nicknamed “Kastone” as in the local language Rukiga, a “kabale” ...
in the
Western Region of the
Ugandan Protectorate, and was the daughter of Reverend Kaijuka of Bugongi Hill. Edith Mary Bataringaya traveled frequently with her husband on his international trips representing
Uganda
}), is a landlocked country in East Africa
East Africa, Eastern Africa, or East of Africa, is the eastern subregion of the African continent. In the United Nations Statistics Division scheme of geographic regions, 10-11-(16*) territor ...
abroad, traveling to the United States with him.
Edith Mary Bataringaya also started the Uganda Women's Union and the
Uganda Council of Women alongside Rhoda Kalema and Theresa Mbire.
Edith Mary Bataringaya continued her husband's work with the
Catholic Church in Uganda after Basil Kiiza Bataringaya's murder.
Edith Mary Bataringaya was ultimately burned alive and executed by the
Amin government, allegedly at the hands of Juma Bashir the Governor of the
Western Province of Uganda.
Family
Basil Kiiza and Edith Mary Bataringaya had eight children, Dr. Geoffrey Basil Bataringaya, Basil Bataringaya Jr., Grace Bataringaya, Kenneth Bataringaya, Jackie Bataringaya, Janette Bataringaya, Juliet Wavamunno, and Dr. Aisha Bataringaya-Ssekalala.
The children were orphaned in 1977 as both parents were killed by the
Amin regime. Edith Mary Bataringaya's brother, Dr.
Emmanuel Kaijuka who later served as the
Ugandan Commissioner of Health, raised the children who were still young when they were orphaned following their parents' murders.
In 1985, the eight children reunited for the first time since their mother's murder in the town of
Muyenga
Muyenga is a hill in Kampala, the capital city, capital of Uganda and the largest city in that country. The name also applies to the upscale community that sits on that hill.
Location
Muyenga is located in Makindye Division, one of the five admin ...
, Uganda.
Their children all went on to successful careers as of 2003: Grace Bataringaya is a
veterinary doctor and events manager, Kenneth Bataringaya is a businessman who manages the family estate, Jackie Bataringaya is a doctor for
Action Aid
ActionAid is an international non-governmental organization whose stated primary aim is to work against poverty and injustice worldwide.
ActionAid is a federation of 45 country offices that works with communities, often via local partner organis ...
working in
Harare
Harare (; formerly Salisbury ) is the capital and most populous city of Zimbabwe. The city proper has an area of 940 km2 (371 mi2) and a population of 2.12 million in the 2012 census and an estimated 3.12 million in its metropolitan ...
, Zimbabwe, Janette Bataringaya is working in Public Health in
Boston
Boston (), officially the City of Boston, is the state capital and most populous city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as well as the cultural and financial center of the New England region of the United States. It is the 24th- mo ...
, Massachusetts in the United States, Juliet Wavamunno (née Bataringaya) is a doctor working for the
World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The WHO Constitution states its main objective as "the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of h ...
, and Aisha Bataringaya-Ssekalala (née Bataringaya) was studying at the
University of Western Cape
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a public research university in Bellville, near Cape Town, South Africa. The university was established in 1959 by the South African government as a university for Coloured people only. Other uni ...
in South Africa.
Religious Views
Bataringaya was a
Catholic
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with 1.3 billion baptized Catholics worldwide . It is among the world's oldest and largest international institutions, and has played a ...
and involved with the
Catholic Church in Uganda throughout his career in both academia and politics. Bataringaya attended a Catholic school at
St. Leo's College, Kyegobe in
Tooro, and eventually ran all Catholic schools in
Ankole
Ankole (Nkore language, Runyankore: ''Nkore''), was a traditional Bantu peoples, Bantu kingdom in Uganda and lasted from the 15th century until 1967. The kingdom was located in south-western Uganda, east of Lake Edward.
History
Ankole Realm, K ...
before entering politics.
Bataringaya also acted as a liaison between the
Catholic Church in Uganda and the
Ugandan government
Uganda is a presidential republic in which the President of Uganda is the head of state and the prime minister is the head of government business. There is a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is ...
as well, working with the
Catholic Church in Uganda to build schools and hospitals throughout
Uganda
}), is a landlocked country in East Africa
East Africa, Eastern Africa, or East of Africa, is the eastern subregion of the African continent. In the United Nations Statistics Division scheme of geographic regions, 10-11-(16*) territor ...
.
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bataringaya, Basil Kiiza
1927 births
1972 deaths
Ugandan Roman Catholics
Ugandan defectors
Ugandan educators
African political people
People executed by Uganda
Makerere University alumni
People from Bushenyi District
Leaders of the Opposition (Uganda)
People from Western Region, Uganda
Members of the Parliament of Uganda