In this broad survey, Thomas P. Ofcansky examines the political, economic, and social themes that have shaped Ugandan history. He inspects the impact of British colonial rule, investigates the emergence of the independence movement after World War II, and analyzes the factors that contributed to the collapse and decay of Ugandan society after Idi Amin's seizure of power in 1971. The author then explores the successes, failures, and prospects of Uganda's current government. In his conclusion, Ofcansky examines the difficulties facing a nation divided by ethnic, religious, and regional cleavages and argues that Ugandan leaders must work to establish a society in which all Ugandans benefit or face the prospect of a return to anarchy.