East Africa & Uganda Protectorates Stamps
The East Africa and Uganda Protectorates were British colonial territories located in East Africa, primarily encompassing modern-day Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika. Postal services in these regions were administered under the British East Africa Administration, often sharing issues or using unified frankings until later administrative divisions.
- Issued stamps
- 1903–1921
- Region
- Africa, East Africa
- Currency
- GBP
- Languages
- English, Swahili
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- United Kingdom
History and background
Stamps from this period typically feature English inscriptions alongside denominations in various British currency systems, including rupees and later shillings. This unified postal entity existed until the territories were reorganized into separate colonial administrations, leading to distinct stamp issues for Kenya, Uganda, and the East Africa and Uganda Protectorates' successor entities.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- EAST AFRICA & UGANDA PROTECTORATES
- EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA PROTECTORATES
How to identify them
- Look for the inscription 'EAST AFRICA & UGANDA PROTECTORATES' or 'EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA PROTECTORATES'.
- Identify the monarch's portrait (King Edward VII or King George V).
- Note the currency: early issues are in Rupees and Annas, later issues in Shillings and Cents.
- Check for watermarks (e.g., Crown CA, Multiple Crown CA) and perforations, which are crucial for distinguishing varieties.
Popular series
-
King Edward VII Issues
1903-1911
The first definitive issues for the Protectorates, featuring the portrait of King Edward VII, often with 'East Africa & Uganda Protectorates' inscription. Denominations in Rupees and Annas.
-
King George V Issues
1912-1921
Definitive stamps depicting King George V, initially in Rupees and Annas, later transitioning to Shillings and Cents. These issues are notable for their variety of watermarks and printings.
-
War Tax Issues
1916-1917
Stamps overprinted 'WAR TAX' during World War I, often on King George V definitives, to raise funds for the war effort.
Value overview
Typical ranges as orientation, not prices for a particular stamp. Condition, variety and demand decide the value of your copy; for current asking prices, check listings or the app.
- Common stamps
- £0.50–£10
- Scarce stamps
- £100–£5,000+
Value varies significantly based on condition, specific issue (especially early King Edward VII high values), watermarks, printings, and overprints. Mint never hinged examples and rare errors or varieties command premium prices.
Catalogs. East Africa & Uganda Protectorates stamps are listed in the major world catalogs: Scott, Michel and Stanley Gibbons. Catalog numbers and groupings differ between them; the Stamp Identifier app shows the numbers it can find for your stamp.
Questions about East Africa & Uganda Protectorates stamps
East Africa & Uganda Protectorates stamps were issued by the British colonial administration for the combined territories of British East Africa and Uganda, primarily covering modern-day Kenya and Uganda, from 1903 to 1921. They served as the official postage for these regions before their postal services were further divided.
Yes, some East Africa & Uganda Protectorates stamps can be quite valuable, especially early definitive issues, high denominations, and varieties such as specific watermarks, printings, or errors. Common lower-value stamps are generally affordable, but rare examples can fetch hundreds or even thousands of pounds at auction. Condition plays a significant role in determining value.
To identify East Africa & Uganda Protectorates stamps, look for the specific inscription 'EAST AFRICA & UGANDA PROTECTORATES' or 'EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA PROTECTORATES'. Pay attention to the portrait of the reigning monarch (Edward VII or George V) and the currency denomination (Rupees/Annas or Shillings/Cents). For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
East Africa & Uganda Protectorates stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue, the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, and the Michel Übersee-Katalog (Overseas Catalog).
Not sure where
it's from?
Photograph the stamp and Stamp Identifier names the issuer, the year and the series. One identification every 24 hours is free; prices and listings need Premium.