Semei Kakungulu (1869 – 24 November 1928) was a Ugandan statesman who founded the Abayudaya (Luganda: Jews)[1] community in Uganda in 1917.

Because he commanded many warriors, because of his connections to the Bugandan court and because he was a Protestant, the British sought Kakungulu's support in imposing their imperial rule in eastern Uganda.

Nevertheless, Kakungulu, with the help of his Baganda followers, although much reduced in numbers, was able to maintain control so long as he received British support.

[9][10] Under pressure from the British, who wished to limit his holdings, in 1917, Kakungulu moved his principal residence a short distance further from Mbale into the western foothills of Mt.

It was there that he started a separatist sect initially known as Kibiina Kya Bayudaya Absesiga Katonda (the Community of Jews who trust in the omnipotent God).

[13] Beginning in about 1925, several European Jews who were employed as mechanics and engineers by the British chanced upon the Christian-Jewish community near Mbale.

[1] After his death, the Abayudaya community divided into those wishing to retain a toehold within Christianity and those wanting to break those ties completely.

"[16][17] Kakungulu is buried a short distance from the main Abayudaya synagogue behind the unpretentious home in which he lived during the last years of his life.

A Victorious General and Sava Chief in Buganda Administrator of Eastern Province 1899–1905 President of Busoga 1906–1913 Died 24th 11 1928”