Idi Amin Dada Oumee, the third president of Uganda from 1971 to 1979, is considered one of the most brutal dictators in modern history. Here is his story:
Early Life and Education:
- Born in 1923 near Koboko, Uganda, to a Kakwa father and Lugbara mother ² ³ ¹
- Deserted by his father at an early age, he was brought up by his mother, an herbalist and diviner.
- Received little formal education.
Career:
- In 1946, he joined Britain's colonial African troops known as the King's African Rifles (KAR).
- Served in Burma, Somalia, Kenya, and Uganda.
- Rose through the ranks, reaching sergeant major and then being made an effendi, the highest rank possible for a Black African serving in the British army.
- After Uganda gained independence in 1962, Amin remained in the army and rose to the position of major and was appointed commander of the Uganda Army in 1965.
Rule and Regime:
- Amin launched the 1971 Ugandan coup d'état and declared himself president.
- Initially welcomed both within Uganda and by the international community.
- Formed "killer squads" to hunt down Obote's supporters, and later, all political opponents.
- In 1972, he declared "economic war" on Uganda's Asian population, leading to the expulsion of 70,000 Asians.
- He became increasingly paranoid and violent, and his regime was known for its brutality.
Downfall and Exile:
- In October 1978, Amin ordered an attack on Tanzania, but was defeated by Tanzanian troops and Ugandan nationalists ³
- Amin fled to Libya and then Saudi Arabia, where he remained in exile for the rest of his life.
Legacy:
- Amin's regime was responsible for at least 100,000 deaths and possibly many more.
- He is considered one of history's cruelest dictators.
©Adeolu Rapheal
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