Michael Kawalya Kagwa

Michael Hamilton Kawalya-Kaggwa was an influential politician who served as the Katikiro (chief minister) of the Kingdom of Buganda from 1945 to 1950. He died on 9 September 1971 leaving behind a large family including a widow, Mrs. Olive Amelia Kawalya-Kaggwa (of Ghanaian decent) and her two sons. Kawalya Kaggwa's father, Apollo Kaggwa, was an influential Katikiro and regent. He was a significant figure in Uganda's moving forward in modernization and acquiring independence in 1962.

Political career Kawalya served in the military during World War II, he joined the 7th (Uganda Territorial) Battalion of the King's African Rifles in 1939, serving as a Second Lieutenant and quartermaster in East Africa and Somaliland.

Kawalya was appointed Katikiro in 1945 after the assassination of Martin Luther Nsibirwa and served in the role until 1950.

Kawalya Kaggwa was one of the first three African representatives appointed to the Uganda Legislative Council (LEGCO) in December 1945. He was honored with the Order of the British Empire. in 1949.

Kawalya Michael Kaggwa is widely remembered in Uganda for his 1945 request to the colonial government to support the development of essential infrastructure, including hydro-electric power, piped water, and an organized postal system. His vision is credited with laying the groundwork for Uganda's later economic growth, and a monument was erected in his memory on Kampala Road.

Personal life Born on January 8, 1898, he was the son of Sir Apollo Kaggwa, another highly influential former Katikkiro and regent of Buganda. He married Catherine Margaret Nanjobe in 1921, and they had several children. He died on September 9, 1971.