In 1971, Major General Idi Amin was the commander of the Ugandan army. A former colonial soldier and national heavyweight boxing champion, he was a formidable figure. On January 25, while President Milton Obote attended a meeting in Singapore, Amin’s troops took control of the capital, Kampala. Amin claimed the coup was necessary to end Obote’s corruption. However, reports suggested a more personal motive: Obote was about to arrest Amin for embezzling millions in military funds. Initially, many Ugandans welcomed the change, as Amin promised a return to civilian rule and the release of political prisoners. Britain and Israel were among the first nations to recognize his new military government, seeing him as a potential ally in the region. Few foresaw what was to come.
Idi Amin's Uganda
The story of Idi Amin, the dictator who seized power in 1971 and whose brutal rule led to Uganda's economic collapse.
The Boxer's Coup
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Frequently Asked Questions
How did Idi Amin come to power in Uganda?
Idi Amin seized power on January 25, 1971, in a military coup. He acted while President Milton Obote was abroad, reportedly to prevent his own arrest for embezzling army funds. He then established a military government.
What was the 'Economic War' declared by Idi Amin?
In August 1972, Amin declared an 'Economic War,' ordering the expulsion of Uganda's entire Asian population, estimated at 50,000 to 80,000 people. He gave them 90 days to leave, leading to the collapse of the nation's economy as thousands of businesses were confiscated.
What happened to Idi Amin after he was overthrown?
After fleeing Uganda in 1979, Idi Amin went first to Libya and then to Iraq before settling in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government granted him a comfortable, state-sponsored exile, where he lived for over two decades without ever being tried for his crimes. He died in Jeddah in 2003.
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