Mutesa I wanted to strengthen his position by acquiring guns from the missionaries.
He expected the missionaries to teach him how to make his own guns.
He expected the missionaries to train his soldiers and equip them with the best military skills
To be able to use their influence and fight Bunyoro under Omukama Kabalega
He was afraid of pressure from Egypt who wanted to colonize Buganda, so he hoped to use the missionaries to defeat them.
He needed prestige and respect from his fellow chiefs.
He expected to receive gifts from Christian missionaries.
He needed to use Christian missionaries to check on Muslims who were becoming too arrogant.