The last Kabaka of Buganda (1939–63) and President of Uganda (1963–66). He assumed office after a regency, aged 18. Progressive in spirit, he nevertheless backed the protectorate government in suppressing Buganda nationalist risings in 1945 and 1949. In 1953, fearing the loss of Buganda’s independence, he claimed the right of his kingdom to secede from the Ugandan protectorate. This was denied him by the Ugandan High Court, and he was deported by the British. In 1955 he returned as a constitutional monarch, and in 1963 was elected first President of Uganda. He disagreed with the left-wing policies of the Prime Minister, Dr Milton Obote, who deposed him in 1966.