During the 1890s, the Scramble for Africa created the new country of Uganda.

This inland territory carved out by British agents first encompassed some 20–30 African kingdoms. In his magisterial study, Anthony Low examines how and why the British were able to dominate these rulerships and establish a colonial government.

At the same time, the book goes beyond providing a simple narrative account of events; rather, Low seeks to analyse the conditions under which such a transformation was possible. By skilfully negotiating the many complex political and social undercurrents of this period, Low presents a groundbreaking theoretical model of colonial conquest and rule.

The result is a major contribution to debates about the making of empire that will appeal to Africanists and imperial historians alike.