South of Somalia and Ethiopia are three small countries with a rich philatelic history. These are Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. These three nations have undergone numerous changes over the past one and a half centuries. Originally, the area was divided between Great Britain (British East Africa) and Germany (German East Africa). Germany also controlled the post office functions of the Sultanate of Zanzibar until 1891, when it became a British protectorate. German stamps were used exclusively in Zanzibar until 1890, when the territory changed hands. Indian stamps overprinted "Zanzibar" appeared in 1895, and were replaced with issues featuring the ruling Sultan in 1896. Stamps inscribed "Zanzibar" continued until 1964, when the area first gained independence, then united with Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, later changed to Tanzania. Stamps of this period were issued inscribed "Jamhuri Zanzibar Tanzania". Tanzania stamps have been used exclusively in the territory since 1968.
British East Africa stamps first appeared in about 1890, when the current stamps of Great Britain were overprinted "British East Africa Company" and surcharged in Indian currency, appeared. Stamps inscribed "Imperial British East Africa Company" were in use from about 1891 through 1895, when they were replaced by these earlier issues overprinted or inscribed "British East Africa", following the transfer of the territory to the British Colonial Office.
When the British Colonial Office took control of the postal administration in the area formerly controlled by the British East Africa Company, the territory was divided into two colonies, British East Africa and Uganda. Stamps with the name "Uganda Protectorate", or British East Africa Protectorate stamps overprinted "Uganda" were used until 1902, when the colonial postal authorities for the British East Africa Protectorate and Uganda Protectorate were once again combined, under the name "East Africa and Uganda Protectorates". Stamps bearing this inscription were in use until 1922.
One of the most unique philatelic activities known for a British colony occurred in Uganda in 1895. The Rev. Ernest Millar, of the Church Missionary Society, created "stamps" for use in Uganda (probably for his use, and the use of missionaries working with the Society) with his typewriter. At least two different typewriters were used, and the issues appear in both black and violet. These stamps apparently were accepted by the British postal authorities, as used copies of most issues are known - but very rare! Copies are best collected "on piece" or on cover.
