Uganda under Idi Amin in 1970s got so easily into murderous tribalism and authoritarianism; Indian PM Modi addresses Ugandan parliament on 25th July 2018
Warning: This post deals with some horrible violence that happened in Uganda under Idi Amin. Readers who prefer not to read such stuff may please skip reading the rest of this post. end-Warning.
For the past week or couple of weeks, I have forced myself to see videos and do some reading up on Idi Amin and Uganda. It started with a British video of the early 1970s covering the expulsion of Asians (mostly Indians, I guess) from Uganda with many being British passport holders and so being accommodated in Britain/UK. I forced myself to expand it to other videos and a movie on Idi Amin. I also saw PM Modi's address to Ugandan parliament (first by an Indian PM) a few days ago.
This informal study of Uganda after British colonial powers withdrew in early 1960s, clearly shows me that democracy is: Oh so fragile! Uganda got so easily into horrible levels of murderous tribalism and authoritarian rule using mercenary soldiers.
Some extracts from wiki page of Idi Amin, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idi_Amin, are given below:
Idi Amin Dada (/ˈiːdi ɑːˈmiːn/; c. 1923–28 – 16 August 2003) was a Ugandan politician and military officer. He was the President of Uganda from 1971 to 1979.
Amin was born either in Koboko or Kampala to a Kakwa father and Lugbara mother. In 1946 he joined the King's African Rifles (KAR) of the British Colonial Army. Initially a cook, he rose to the position of lieutenant, taking part in British actions against Somali rebels in the Shifta War and then the Mau Mau rebels in Kenya. Following Uganda's independence from the United Kingdom in 1962, Amin remained in the armed forces, rising to the position of major and being appointed Commander of the Army in 1965. Aware that Ugandan President Milton Obote was planning to arrest him for misappropriating army funds, Amin launched a 1971 military coup and declared himself President.
During his years in power, Amin shifted from being a pro-western ruler, enjoying considerable Israeli support to being backed by Libya's Muammar Gaddafi, Zaire's Mobutu Sese Seko, the Soviet Union, and East Germany.[2][3][4] In 1975, Amin became the chairman of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), a Pan-Africanist group designed to promote solidarity among African states.[5] During the 1977–1979 period, Uganda was a member of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.[6] In 1977, when Britain broke diplomatic relations with Uganda, Amin declared he had defeated the British and added "CBE", for "Conqueror of the British Empire", to his title. Radio Uganda then announced his entire title: "His Excellency President for Life, Field Marshal Alhaji Dr. Idi Amin Dada, VC, DSO, MC, CBE".[7]
As Amin's rule progressed into the late 1970s, growing dissent against his persecution of certain ethnic groups and political dissidents, along with Uganda's very poor international standing due to Amin's support for the terrorist hijackers in Operation Entebbe, led to unrest. When Amin attempted to annex Tanzania's Kagera Region in 1978, Tanzanian president Julius Nyerere had his troops invade Uganda; they captured Kampala and ousted Amin from power. Amin then went into exile, first in Libya and then in Saudi Arabia, where he lived until his death on 16 August 2003. Amin's rule was characterized by rampant human rights abuses, political repression, ethnic persecution, extrajudicial killings, nepotism, corruption, and gross economic mismanagement. The number of people killed as a result of his regime is estimated by international observers and human rights groups to range from 100,000[8] to 500,000.[7]
...
Persecution of ethnic and political groups
Amin retaliated against the attempted invasion by Ugandan exiles in 1972, by purging the army of Obote supporters, predominantly those from the Acholi and Lango ethnic groups.[31] In July 1971, Lango and Acholi soldiers were massacred in the Jinja and Mbarara barracks.[32] By early 1972, some 5,000 Acholi and Lango soldiers, and at least twice as many civilians, had disappeared.[33] The victims soon came to include members of other ethnic groups, religious leaders, journalists, artists, senior bureaucrats, judges, lawyers, students and intellectuals, criminal suspects, and foreign nationals. In this atmosphere of violence, many other people were killed for criminal motives or simply at will. Bodies were often dumped into the River Nile.[34]
The killings, motivated by ethnic, political, and financial factors, continued throughout Amin's eight years in control.[33] The exact number of people killed is unknown. The International Commission of Jurists estimated the death toll at no fewer than 80,000 and more likely around 300,000. An estimate compiled by exile organizations with the help of Amnesty International puts the number killed at 500,000.[7]
Among the most prominent people killed were Benedicto Kiwanuka, a former prime minister and chief justice; Janani Luwum, the Anglican archbishop; Joseph Mubiru, the former governor of the central bank of Uganda; Frank Kalimuzo, the vice chancellor of Makerere University; Byron Kawadwa, a prominent playwright; and two of Amin's own cabinet ministers, Erinayo Wilson Oryema and Charles Oboth Ofumbi.[35]
Amin recruited his followers from his own ethnic group, the Kakwas, along with South Sudanese. By 1977, these three groups formed 60 percent of the 22 top generals and 75 percent of the cabinet. Similarly, Muslims formed 80 percent and 87.5 percent of these groups even though they were only 5 percent of the population. This helps explain why Amin survived eight attempted coups.[36] The army grew from 10,000 to 25,000 by 1978. Amin's army was largely a mercenary force. Half the soldiers were South Sudanese and 26 percent Congolese, with only 24 percent being Ugandan, mostly Muslim and Kakwa.[37]
On 4 August 1972, Amin issued a decree ordering the expulsion of the 50,000 Asians who were British passport holders. This was later amended to include all 60,000 Asians who were not Ugandan citizens. Around 30,000 Ugandan Asians emigrated to the UK. Others went to Commonwealth countries such as Australia, South Africa, Canada, and Fiji, or to India, Kenya, Pakistan, Sweden, Tanzania, and the United States.[40][43][42] Amin expropriated businesses and properties belonging to the Asians and the Europeans and handed them over to his supporters. The businesses were mismanaged, and industries collapsed from lack of maintenance. This proved disastrous for the already declining economy.[28]
In 1977, Henry Kyemba, Amin's health minister and a former official of the first Obote regime, defected and resettled in the UK. Kyemba wrote and published A State of Blood, the first insider exposé of Amin's rule.[44]
[Wiki page reference links for above extracts:
2. Roland Anthony Oliver, Anthony Atmore. Africa Since 1800. p. 272.
3. Dale C. Tatum. Who influenced whom?. p. 177.
4. Gareth M. Winrow. The Foreign Policy of the GDR in Africa, p. 141.
5. "Idi Amin: A Byword for Brutality". News24. 21 July 2003. Archived from the original on 5 June 2008. Retrieved 13 February 2012.
6. Gershowitz, Suzanne (20 March 2007). "The Last King of Scotland, Idi Amin, and the United Nations". Archived from the original on 6 June 2009. Retrieved 8 August 2009.
7. Keatley, Patrick (18 August 2003). "Obituary: Idi Amin". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 18 March 2008.
8. Ullman, Richard H. (April 1978). "Human Rights and Economic Power: The United States Versus Idi Amin". Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 26 March 2009. The most conservative estimates by informed observers hold that President Idi Amin Dada and the terror squads operating under his loose direction have killed 100,000 Ugandans in the seven years he has held power.
...
28. "Country Studies: Uganda: Military Rule Under Amin". Federal Research Division. United States Library of Congress. Retrieved 8 August 2009.
...
31. Tall, Mamadou (Spring–Summer 1982). "Notes on the Civil and Political Strife in Uganda". A Journal of Opinion. Issue: A Journal of Opinion, Vol. 12, No. 1/2. 12 (1/2): 41–44. doi:10.2307/1166537. JSTOR 1166537.
32. Lautze, Sue. "Research on Violent Institutions in Unstable Environments: The livelihoods systems of Ugandan army soldiers and their families in a war zone" (PDF). Hertford College, Oxford University. Archived from the original on 10 July 2007.
33. Moore, Charles (17 September 2003). "Obituary: Idi Amin". Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 12 October 2007.
34. "Disappearances and Political Killings: Human Rights Crisis of the 1990s: A Manual for Action" (PDF). Amnesty International. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 November 2007.
35. "Special report: Who were Amin's victims?". The Daily Monitor. 13 June 2007. Archived from the original on 13 June 2007.
36. Stefan Lindemann, The ethnic politics of coup avoidance, page 20
37. Andrew Mambo and Julian Schofield "Military Diversion in the 1978 Uganda-Tanzania War" page 12
38. Jørgensen, Jan Jelmert (1981). Uganda: A Modern History. Taylor & Francis. pp. 288–290. ISBN 978-0-85664-643-0.
39. "Idi Amin had targeted Indians in 70s". The Times Of India. 15 April 2007.
40. Luganda, Patrick (29 July 2003). "Amin's Economic War Left Uganda on Crutches". New Vision. Kampala.
41. "On this day: 7 August 1972: Asians given 90 days to leave Uganda". BBC. 7 August 1972. Retrieved 8 August 2009.
42. "Flight of the Asians". Time. 11 September 1972. Retrieved 8 August 2009.
43. "On this day: 7 August 1972: Asians given 90 days to leave Uganda". BBC. 7 August 1972. Retrieved 8 August 2009.
44. A STATE OF BLOOD: The Inside Story of Idi Amin by Henry Kyemha | Kirkus Reviews.
end-references]
--- end Idi Amin wiki page ---
Given below are the links for the videos and articles I saw on Idi Amin over the past few days:
* Uganda | Idi Amin | Asian Expulsion | 1972, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-i0JVip9N4, 23 mins 56 secs.
* BBC reporter Brian Barron interviewed Idi Amin History of Uganda720p, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q1egpgb2ww, 13 min 9 secs.
* Life in Uganda 40 Years On (from Asian expulsion from Uganda), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4abS0PhRzQ, 8 min 49 secs.
* Who is Idi Amin - Idi Amin Biography Documentary, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rwX6DJeSK4, 53 min 41 secs.
* Rise Fall Of Idi Amin 1981, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-O0nuCVoMc, 1 hr. 34 mins
* Idi Amin gives away his plans to invade ... . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phPMSCcpb40, 5 min. 4 secs.
* Idi Amin of Uganda, in his true words. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITshYdgK3bM, 2 min 22 secs.
* Return of Asians (Indians) to Uganda. From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expulsion_of_Asians_from_Uganda :
Thousands of Gujaratis returned to Uganda after Yoweri Museveni, the subsequent head of state of Uganda, criticized Idi Amin's policies and invited them to return.[3 - Vashi, Ashish; Jain, Ankur (October 22, 2008). "Gujaratis survived Idi Amin, fuelled East Africa's economy". The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Gujaratis-survived-Idi-Amin-fuelled-East-Africas-economy/articleshow/3625352.cms]
According to Museveni, "Gujaratis have played a lead role in Uganda's social and industrial development. I knew that this community can do wonders for my country and they have been doing it for last many decades." The Gujaratis have resurfaced in Uganda and helped rebuild the economy of East Africa, and are financially well settled.[3][18 - A. Didar Singh; S. Irudaya Rajan (6 November 2015). Politics of Migration: Indian Emigration in a Globalized World. Taylor & Francis. pp. 180–. ISBN 978-1-317-41223-6.]
--- end wiki extract ---
* Indian PM Narendra Modi Facebook post dated 25th July 2018, "I thank President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Government and people of Uganda for giving me the opportunity to address the Parliament of Uganda. Watch my address.", https://www.facebook.com/narendramodi/videos/10160721761750165/, 29 min. 14 secs.
* PM Modi's speech transcript is given below, courtesy: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/pmreleases.aspx [In Left Hand Side menu the entry has to be chosen by Ministry as Prime Minster's Office and date as 25-July-2018 and entry as "Prime Minister’s address at Parliament of Uganda during his State Visit to Uganda"]
Prime Minister's Office 25-July, 2018 14:49 IST
Prime Minister’s address at Parliament of Uganda during his State Visit to Uganda
Your Excellency President Yoweri Museveni,
Your Excellency Vice President
Right Honourable Rebecca Kadaga, Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament,
Honourable Ministers,
Honourable Members of the Parliament,
Excellencies,
Brothers and Sisters,
Namaskar.
BalaMusija.
I am deeply honoured by the invitation to address this august House. I have had similar privilege in other Parliaments. This is, however, special. This honour has come to a Prime Minister of India for the first time. It is a great honour for the 1.25 billion people of India. I carry their greetings and warm wishes of friendship with me to this House and for all the people of Uganda. Your presence, Madam Speaker, reminds me of my Lok Sabha, which also has a lady Speaker. I also see a large number of young Members of Parliament here. This is good news for democracy. Every time I come to Uganda, I am enchanted by this "Pearl of Africa”. It is a land of immense beauty, great wealth of resources and rich heritage. Its rivers and lakes have nurtured civilisations across this large region. I am conscious of the history that brings us to this point, when the Prime Minister of the largest democracy is speaking to elected Members of the Parliament of another sovereign nation. Our ancient maritime links, the dark ages of colonial rule, the shared struggle for freedom, the uncertain paths as independent countries in a divided world, the dawn of the new opportunities and the unity of aspirations of our young population. All of these connect us.
Mr. President,
Our people are among the many threads that connect Uganda and India together. Over a century ago, the heroic labour connected Uganda to the shores of the Indian Ocean through railway. Your gracious presence today speaks of the precious bonds of friendship and solidarity between our people. You have brought peace and stability to your nation and to the region. You have put it on the path of growth and progress amidst many challenges. You have empowered women and made your nation more inclusive. Your visionary leadership has enabled Ugandan people of Indian origin to return to their cherished home, regain their lives and help rebuild the nation that they deeply love. In opening the State House to the celebration of Deepawali, you have lit up the many strands of ties that connect India and Uganda. Among these, the most sacred is the site at Jinja, at the source of River Nile, where a portion of the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed. In his life and beyond, he is one with Africa and Africans. And, at the sacred site in Jinja, where a statue of Gandhiji now stands, we will build a Gandhi Heritage Centre. As we approach the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, there can be no better homage than a Centre to remind us of Africa’s role in shaping his mission that even inspired Africa to freedom and justice; and the universal and timeless values of his life and message.
Excellencies,
The story of India’s own freedom struggle is closely linked to Africa. It is not just the 21 years that Gandhiji spent in Africa, or the First Non- Cooperation Movement he led. For India, the moral principles of independence movement, or the peaceful means to pursue it, were not just confined to the boundaries of India or to the future of Indians. It was a universal quest for liberty, dignity, equality and opportunity for every human being. Nowhere did it apply more than in Africa. Twenty years before our independence, the leaders of our National Movement had linked India’s freedom struggle to the fight against colonial rule around the world, especially Africa. Even as India stood on the threshold of independence, the fate of Africa was not far from our minds. Mahatma Gandhi firmly believed that India’s freedom will remain incomplete so long as Africa remains in bondage. Free India did not forget his words. India pursued Afro-Asian solidarity in Bandung. We stood firm in opposition to apartheid in South Africa. We took leading and bold positions in former Rhodesia – which is now known as Zimbabwe, in Guinea Bassau, Angola and Namibia. Gandhiji’s peaceful resistance inspired leaders like Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Albert Luthuli, Julius Nyrere and Kwame Nkrumah. History is witness to the success of the ancient wisdom of India and Africa and the enduring strength of peaceful resistance. Some of the most profound changes in Africa came through Gandhian methods. India's principled support to Africa's liberation movements often came at a cost to our nation’s trade. But, nothing mattered in comparison to Africa's freedom.
Excellencies,
Our economic and international partnerships over the past seven decades have been prompted as much by economic impulse as by the moral principles and emotional bonds. We sought a fair and equitable access to markets and resources. We fought together to make development the foundation of global trade. And, we worked to diversify economic partnership between countries of the South. Our doctors and teachers went to Africa not just to seek professional opportunities, but in solidarity with a common cause of development as free nations. As President Museveni said at the 3rd India Africa Forum Summit in Delhi in 2015 and I quote - "We fought against colonial rule together. Let us fight for mutual prosperity together.” Excellencies,
Today, India and Africa stand on the threshold of a future of great promise: as confident, secure, youthful, innovative, and dynamic people. Uganda is an example of Africa on the move. It is witnessing increasing gender parity, rising educational and health standards, and expanding infrastructure and connectivity. It is a region with growing trade and investment. We are seeing a surge of innovation. We in India rejoice in every African success, because of our deep bonds of friendships.
Excellencies,
India is proud to be Africa’s partner. And, Uganda is central to our commitment to the continent. Yesterday, I announced two Lines of Credit for Uganda. The first, of 141 million US dollars for electricity lines. And the second, of 64 million US dollars for agriculture and dairy production. As in the past, we will continue to support the aspirations of the people of Uganda – in agriculture and healthcare, education and training, infrastructure and energy, capacity building in government and training in defence. I compliment President Museveni and this House on the decision to join the International Solar Alliance.
Excellencies,
As with Uganda, we have deepened our partnership and engagement across the vast expanse of Africa. In the past four years, our President, Vice President and I have collectively visited no less than 25 countries in Africa. Our Ministers have covered virtually all African nations. We were honoured to host all 54 countries - over 40 at Heads of State and Government level - at the third Africa-India Forum Summit in October 2015. We were also privileged to host many African leaders for the inaugural summit of the International Solar Alliance. Other than all these, 32 Heads of State or Government from Africa have visited India in the last four years. My home state Gujarat was proud to be the host of the first ever meeting of the African Development Bank in India last year. And we are also opening 18 new embassies in Africa.
Excellencies,
Our development partnership currently includes implementation of 180 Lines of Credit worth about USD 11 billion in over 40 African countries. At the last India Africa Forum Summit, we had committed a concessional Line of Credit of 10 billion U.S. dollars and 600 million dollars in grant assistance. Every year, over 8000 African youth are trained in a diverse set of programmes. As always, our efforts will be driven by your priorities. Indian companies have invested over US$ 54 billion in Africa. Our trade with Africa is now over US$ 62 billion. This is over 21 per cent more than in the previous year. Africa's exports to India are growing. And, our economic ties are now increasingly driven by new partnerships of innovation in the digital economy. The Pan Africa E-Network links 48 African countries to India, and to one another. It can become the new backbone for digital innovation in Africa. With several coastal nations, our partnership now increasingly seeks to harness the benefits of Blue Economy in a sustainable manner. And, India’s medicines turned the tide on diseases that were once a threat to Africa’s future. They also continue to make healthcare affordable and accessible to many.
Excellencies,
As we work together for prosperity, we have stood together for peace. Indian soldiers have served in blue helmets so that Africa’s children can look to a future of peace. We are proud of the work of Indian peacekeepers in over a dozen UN peacekeeping missions in Africa, since our first mission in Congo in 1960. In all the UN peacekeeping Missions in the world, 163 Indians have made the supreme sacrifice. This is among the highest number for any country. Almost 70 per cent of these embraced martyrdom just in Africa. Today, over 6,000 Indians serve in five peacekeeping operations in Africa. Indian women established a landmark with the first all-female Police Unit of the United Nations in Liberia. Our defence and security cooperation is growing with nations in Africa, as we work together to counter terrorism and piracy, and keep our seas secure.
Excellencies,
India's engagement with Africa will continue to be guided by 10 principles.
One, Africa will be at the top of our priorities. We will continue to intensify and deepen our engagement with Africa. As we have shown, it will be sustained and regular.
Two, our development partnership will be guided by your priorities. It will be on terms that will be comfortable for you, that will liberate your potential and not constrain your future. We will rely on African talent and skills. We will build as much local capacity and create as many local opportunities as possible.
Three, we will keep our markets open and make it easier and more attractive to trade with India. We will support our industry to invest in Africa.
Four, we will harness India’s experience with digital revolution to support Africa’s development; improve delivery of public services; extend education and health; spread digital literacy; expand financial inclusion; and mainstream the marginalised.
This will not just be our partnership to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, but also to equip the youth of Africa for their place in the digital age.
Five, Africa has 60 per cent of the world’s arable land, but produces just 10 per cent of the global output. We will work with you to improve Africa’s agriculture.
Six, our partnership will address the challenges of climate change. We will work with Africa to ensure a just international climate order; to preserve our biodiversity; and, adopt clean and efficient energy sources.
Seven, we will strengthen our cooperation and mutual capabilities in combating terrorism and extremism; keeping our cyberspace safe and secure; and, supporting the UN in advancing and keeping peace;.
Eight, we will work with African nations to keep the oceans open and free for the benefit of all nations. The world needs cooperation and not competition in the eastern shores of Africa and the eastern Indian Ocean. That is why India’s vision of Indian Ocean Security is cooperative and inclusive, rooted in security and growth for all in the region.
Nine, and, this is especially important to me: as global engagement in Africa increases, we must all work together to ensure that Africa does not once again turn into a theatre of rival ambitions, but becomes a nursery for the aspirations of Africa’s youth.
Ten, Just as India and Africa fought colonial rule together, we will work together for a just, representative and democratic global order that has a voice and a role for one-third of humanity that lives in Africa and India. India's own quest for reforms in the global institutions is incomplete without an equal place for Africa. That will be a key purpose of our foreign policy.
Excellencies,
If this is to be a century of nations, rising together in freedom and equality; if this is to be an age when the light of opportunity dawns on all humans; if this is a time when our planet has a more hopeful future; then all of this magnificent continent of Africa must walk in step with the rest of the world. India will work with you and for you. Our partnership will build instruments of empowerment in Africa. We will stand in solidarity with your endeavours, in transparency, with respect and on the principle of equality. We will speak for you, and with you. Two-thirds of India and two-thirds of Africa is under the age of 35 years. And, if the future belongs to the youth, then this century is ours to shape and build. And, let us be guided by the Ugandan saying that is - "Anayejitahidihufaidi” which means "one who makes the extra effort will benefit”. India has made that extra effort for Africa. And will always do so. For Africa's benefit.
Thank you. Thank you very much.
Asante Sana
***
AKT/SH/AK
(Release ID :180994)
---- end large extract from http://pib.nic.in/newsite/pmreleases.aspx ----
[I thank wikipedia and pib.nic.in and have presumed that they will not have any objections to me sharing the above extracts from their websites on this post which is freely viewable by all, and does not have any financial profit motive whatsoever.]
For the past week or couple of weeks, I have forced myself to see videos and do some reading up on Idi Amin and Uganda. It started with a British video of the early 1970s covering the expulsion of Asians (mostly Indians, I guess) from Uganda with many being British passport holders and so being accommodated in Britain/UK. I forced myself to expand it to other videos and a movie on Idi Amin. I also saw PM Modi's address to Ugandan parliament (first by an Indian PM) a few days ago.
This informal study of Uganda after British colonial powers withdrew in early 1960s, clearly shows me that democracy is: Oh so fragile! Uganda got so easily into horrible levels of murderous tribalism and authoritarian rule using mercenary soldiers.
Some extracts from wiki page of Idi Amin, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idi_Amin, are given below:
Idi Amin Dada (/ˈiːdi ɑːˈmiːn/; c. 1923–28 – 16 August 2003) was a Ugandan politician and military officer. He was the President of Uganda from 1971 to 1979.
Amin was born either in Koboko or Kampala to a Kakwa father and Lugbara mother. In 1946 he joined the King's African Rifles (KAR) of the British Colonial Army. Initially a cook, he rose to the position of lieutenant, taking part in British actions against Somali rebels in the Shifta War and then the Mau Mau rebels in Kenya. Following Uganda's independence from the United Kingdom in 1962, Amin remained in the armed forces, rising to the position of major and being appointed Commander of the Army in 1965. Aware that Ugandan President Milton Obote was planning to arrest him for misappropriating army funds, Amin launched a 1971 military coup and declared himself President.
During his years in power, Amin shifted from being a pro-western ruler, enjoying considerable Israeli support to being backed by Libya's Muammar Gaddafi, Zaire's Mobutu Sese Seko, the Soviet Union, and East Germany.[2][3][4] In 1975, Amin became the chairman of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), a Pan-Africanist group designed to promote solidarity among African states.[5] During the 1977–1979 period, Uganda was a member of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.[6] In 1977, when Britain broke diplomatic relations with Uganda, Amin declared he had defeated the British and added "CBE", for "Conqueror of the British Empire", to his title. Radio Uganda then announced his entire title: "His Excellency President for Life, Field Marshal Alhaji Dr. Idi Amin Dada, VC, DSO, MC, CBE".[7]
As Amin's rule progressed into the late 1970s, growing dissent against his persecution of certain ethnic groups and political dissidents, along with Uganda's very poor international standing due to Amin's support for the terrorist hijackers in Operation Entebbe, led to unrest. When Amin attempted to annex Tanzania's Kagera Region in 1978, Tanzanian president Julius Nyerere had his troops invade Uganda; they captured Kampala and ousted Amin from power. Amin then went into exile, first in Libya and then in Saudi Arabia, where he lived until his death on 16 August 2003. Amin's rule was characterized by rampant human rights abuses, political repression, ethnic persecution, extrajudicial killings, nepotism, corruption, and gross economic mismanagement. The number of people killed as a result of his regime is estimated by international observers and human rights groups to range from 100,000[8] to 500,000.[7]
...
Persecution of ethnic and political groups
Amin retaliated against the attempted invasion by Ugandan exiles in 1972, by purging the army of Obote supporters, predominantly those from the Acholi and Lango ethnic groups.[31] In July 1971, Lango and Acholi soldiers were massacred in the Jinja and Mbarara barracks.[32] By early 1972, some 5,000 Acholi and Lango soldiers, and at least twice as many civilians, had disappeared.[33] The victims soon came to include members of other ethnic groups, religious leaders, journalists, artists, senior bureaucrats, judges, lawyers, students and intellectuals, criminal suspects, and foreign nationals. In this atmosphere of violence, many other people were killed for criminal motives or simply at will. Bodies were often dumped into the River Nile.[34]
The killings, motivated by ethnic, political, and financial factors, continued throughout Amin's eight years in control.[33] The exact number of people killed is unknown. The International Commission of Jurists estimated the death toll at no fewer than 80,000 and more likely around 300,000. An estimate compiled by exile organizations with the help of Amnesty International puts the number killed at 500,000.[7]
Among the most prominent people killed were Benedicto Kiwanuka, a former prime minister and chief justice; Janani Luwum, the Anglican archbishop; Joseph Mubiru, the former governor of the central bank of Uganda; Frank Kalimuzo, the vice chancellor of Makerere University; Byron Kawadwa, a prominent playwright; and two of Amin's own cabinet ministers, Erinayo Wilson Oryema and Charles Oboth Ofumbi.[35]
Amin recruited his followers from his own ethnic group, the Kakwas, along with South Sudanese. By 1977, these three groups formed 60 percent of the 22 top generals and 75 percent of the cabinet. Similarly, Muslims formed 80 percent and 87.5 percent of these groups even though they were only 5 percent of the population. This helps explain why Amin survived eight attempted coups.[36] The army grew from 10,000 to 25,000 by 1978. Amin's army was largely a mercenary force. Half the soldiers were South Sudanese and 26 percent Congolese, with only 24 percent being Ugandan, mostly Muslim and Kakwa.[37]
We are determined to make the ordinary Ugandan master of his own destiny and, above all, to see that he enjoys the wealth of his country. Our deliberate policy is to transfer the economic control of Uganda into the hands of Ugandans, for the first time in our country's history.
— Idi Amin on the persecution of minorities[38]In August 1972, Amin declared what he called an "economic war", a set of policies that included the expropriation of properties owned by Asians and Europeans. Uganda's 80,000 Asians were mostly from the Indian subcontinent and born in the country, their ancestors having come to Uganda in search of prosperity when India was still a British colony.[39] Many owned businesses, including large-scale enterprises, which formed the backbone of the Ugandan economy.[40][41][42]
On 4 August 1972, Amin issued a decree ordering the expulsion of the 50,000 Asians who were British passport holders. This was later amended to include all 60,000 Asians who were not Ugandan citizens. Around 30,000 Ugandan Asians emigrated to the UK. Others went to Commonwealth countries such as Australia, South Africa, Canada, and Fiji, or to India, Kenya, Pakistan, Sweden, Tanzania, and the United States.[40][43][42] Amin expropriated businesses and properties belonging to the Asians and the Europeans and handed them over to his supporters. The businesses were mismanaged, and industries collapsed from lack of maintenance. This proved disastrous for the already declining economy.[28]
In 1977, Henry Kyemba, Amin's health minister and a former official of the first Obote regime, defected and resettled in the UK. Kyemba wrote and published A State of Blood, the first insider exposé of Amin's rule.[44]
[Wiki page reference links for above extracts:
2. Roland Anthony Oliver, Anthony Atmore. Africa Since 1800. p. 272.
3. Dale C. Tatum. Who influenced whom?. p. 177.
4. Gareth M. Winrow. The Foreign Policy of the GDR in Africa, p. 141.
5. "Idi Amin: A Byword for Brutality". News24. 21 July 2003. Archived from the original on 5 June 2008. Retrieved 13 February 2012.
6. Gershowitz, Suzanne (20 March 2007). "The Last King of Scotland, Idi Amin, and the United Nations". Archived from the original on 6 June 2009. Retrieved 8 August 2009.
7. Keatley, Patrick (18 August 2003). "Obituary: Idi Amin". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 18 March 2008.
8. Ullman, Richard H. (April 1978). "Human Rights and Economic Power: The United States Versus Idi Amin". Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 26 March 2009. The most conservative estimates by informed observers hold that President Idi Amin Dada and the terror squads operating under his loose direction have killed 100,000 Ugandans in the seven years he has held power.
...
28. "Country Studies: Uganda: Military Rule Under Amin". Federal Research Division. United States Library of Congress. Retrieved 8 August 2009.
...
31. Tall, Mamadou (Spring–Summer 1982). "Notes on the Civil and Political Strife in Uganda". A Journal of Opinion. Issue: A Journal of Opinion, Vol. 12, No. 1/2. 12 (1/2): 41–44. doi:10.2307/1166537. JSTOR 1166537.
32. Lautze, Sue. "Research on Violent Institutions in Unstable Environments: The livelihoods systems of Ugandan army soldiers and their families in a war zone" (PDF). Hertford College, Oxford University. Archived from the original on 10 July 2007.
33. Moore, Charles (17 September 2003). "Obituary: Idi Amin". Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 12 October 2007.
34. "Disappearances and Political Killings: Human Rights Crisis of the 1990s: A Manual for Action" (PDF). Amnesty International. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 November 2007.
35. "Special report: Who were Amin's victims?". The Daily Monitor. 13 June 2007. Archived from the original on 13 June 2007.
36. Stefan Lindemann, The ethnic politics of coup avoidance, page 20
37. Andrew Mambo and Julian Schofield "Military Diversion in the 1978 Uganda-Tanzania War" page 12
38. Jørgensen, Jan Jelmert (1981). Uganda: A Modern History. Taylor & Francis. pp. 288–290. ISBN 978-0-85664-643-0.
39. "Idi Amin had targeted Indians in 70s". The Times Of India. 15 April 2007.
40. Luganda, Patrick (29 July 2003). "Amin's Economic War Left Uganda on Crutches". New Vision. Kampala.
41. "On this day: 7 August 1972: Asians given 90 days to leave Uganda". BBC. 7 August 1972. Retrieved 8 August 2009.
42. "Flight of the Asians". Time. 11 September 1972. Retrieved 8 August 2009.
43. "On this day: 7 August 1972: Asians given 90 days to leave Uganda". BBC. 7 August 1972. Retrieved 8 August 2009.
44. A STATE OF BLOOD: The Inside Story of Idi Amin by Henry Kyemha | Kirkus Reviews.
end-references]
--- end Idi Amin wiki page ---
Given below are the links for the videos and articles I saw on Idi Amin over the past few days:
* Uganda | Idi Amin | Asian Expulsion | 1972, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-i0JVip9N4, 23 mins 56 secs.
* BBC reporter Brian Barron interviewed Idi Amin History of Uganda720p, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q1egpgb2ww, 13 min 9 secs.
* Life in Uganda 40 Years On (from Asian expulsion from Uganda), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4abS0PhRzQ, 8 min 49 secs.
* Who is Idi Amin - Idi Amin Biography Documentary, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rwX6DJeSK4, 53 min 41 secs.
* Rise Fall Of Idi Amin 1981, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-O0nuCVoMc, 1 hr. 34 mins
* Idi Amin gives away his plans to invade ... . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phPMSCcpb40, 5 min. 4 secs.
* Idi Amin of Uganda, in his true words. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITshYdgK3bM, 2 min 22 secs.
* Return of Asians (Indians) to Uganda. From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expulsion_of_Asians_from_Uganda :
Thousands of Gujaratis returned to Uganda after Yoweri Museveni, the subsequent head of state of Uganda, criticized Idi Amin's policies and invited them to return.[3 - Vashi, Ashish; Jain, Ankur (October 22, 2008). "Gujaratis survived Idi Amin, fuelled East Africa's economy". The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Gujaratis-survived-Idi-Amin-fuelled-East-Africas-economy/articleshow/3625352.cms]
According to Museveni, "Gujaratis have played a lead role in Uganda's social and industrial development. I knew that this community can do wonders for my country and they have been doing it for last many decades." The Gujaratis have resurfaced in Uganda and helped rebuild the economy of East Africa, and are financially well settled.[3][18 - A. Didar Singh; S. Irudaya Rajan (6 November 2015). Politics of Migration: Indian Emigration in a Globalized World. Taylor & Francis. pp. 180–. ISBN 978-1-317-41223-6.]
--- end wiki extract ---
* Indian PM Narendra Modi Facebook post dated 25th July 2018, "I thank President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Government and people of Uganda for giving me the opportunity to address the Parliament of Uganda. Watch my address.", https://www.facebook.com/narendramodi/videos/10160721761750165/, 29 min. 14 secs.
* PM Modi's speech transcript is given below, courtesy: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/pmreleases.aspx [In Left Hand Side menu the entry has to be chosen by Ministry as Prime Minster's Office and date as 25-July-2018 and entry as "Prime Minister’s address at Parliament of Uganda during his State Visit to Uganda"]
Prime Minister's Office 25-July, 2018 14:49 IST
Prime Minister’s address at Parliament of Uganda during his State Visit to Uganda
Your Excellency President Yoweri Museveni,
Your Excellency Vice President
Right Honourable Rebecca Kadaga, Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament,
Honourable Ministers,
Honourable Members of the Parliament,
Excellencies,
Brothers and Sisters,
Namaskar.
BalaMusija.
I am deeply honoured by the invitation to address this august House. I have had similar privilege in other Parliaments. This is, however, special. This honour has come to a Prime Minister of India for the first time. It is a great honour for the 1.25 billion people of India. I carry their greetings and warm wishes of friendship with me to this House and for all the people of Uganda. Your presence, Madam Speaker, reminds me of my Lok Sabha, which also has a lady Speaker. I also see a large number of young Members of Parliament here. This is good news for democracy. Every time I come to Uganda, I am enchanted by this "Pearl of Africa”. It is a land of immense beauty, great wealth of resources and rich heritage. Its rivers and lakes have nurtured civilisations across this large region. I am conscious of the history that brings us to this point, when the Prime Minister of the largest democracy is speaking to elected Members of the Parliament of another sovereign nation. Our ancient maritime links, the dark ages of colonial rule, the shared struggle for freedom, the uncertain paths as independent countries in a divided world, the dawn of the new opportunities and the unity of aspirations of our young population. All of these connect us.
Mr. President,
Our people are among the many threads that connect Uganda and India together. Over a century ago, the heroic labour connected Uganda to the shores of the Indian Ocean through railway. Your gracious presence today speaks of the precious bonds of friendship and solidarity between our people. You have brought peace and stability to your nation and to the region. You have put it on the path of growth and progress amidst many challenges. You have empowered women and made your nation more inclusive. Your visionary leadership has enabled Ugandan people of Indian origin to return to their cherished home, regain their lives and help rebuild the nation that they deeply love. In opening the State House to the celebration of Deepawali, you have lit up the many strands of ties that connect India and Uganda. Among these, the most sacred is the site at Jinja, at the source of River Nile, where a portion of the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed. In his life and beyond, he is one with Africa and Africans. And, at the sacred site in Jinja, where a statue of Gandhiji now stands, we will build a Gandhi Heritage Centre. As we approach the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, there can be no better homage than a Centre to remind us of Africa’s role in shaping his mission that even inspired Africa to freedom and justice; and the universal and timeless values of his life and message.
Excellencies,
The story of India’s own freedom struggle is closely linked to Africa. It is not just the 21 years that Gandhiji spent in Africa, or the First Non- Cooperation Movement he led. For India, the moral principles of independence movement, or the peaceful means to pursue it, were not just confined to the boundaries of India or to the future of Indians. It was a universal quest for liberty, dignity, equality and opportunity for every human being. Nowhere did it apply more than in Africa. Twenty years before our independence, the leaders of our National Movement had linked India’s freedom struggle to the fight against colonial rule around the world, especially Africa. Even as India stood on the threshold of independence, the fate of Africa was not far from our minds. Mahatma Gandhi firmly believed that India’s freedom will remain incomplete so long as Africa remains in bondage. Free India did not forget his words. India pursued Afro-Asian solidarity in Bandung. We stood firm in opposition to apartheid in South Africa. We took leading and bold positions in former Rhodesia – which is now known as Zimbabwe, in Guinea Bassau, Angola and Namibia. Gandhiji’s peaceful resistance inspired leaders like Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Albert Luthuli, Julius Nyrere and Kwame Nkrumah. History is witness to the success of the ancient wisdom of India and Africa and the enduring strength of peaceful resistance. Some of the most profound changes in Africa came through Gandhian methods. India's principled support to Africa's liberation movements often came at a cost to our nation’s trade. But, nothing mattered in comparison to Africa's freedom.
Excellencies,
Our economic and international partnerships over the past seven decades have been prompted as much by economic impulse as by the moral principles and emotional bonds. We sought a fair and equitable access to markets and resources. We fought together to make development the foundation of global trade. And, we worked to diversify economic partnership between countries of the South. Our doctors and teachers went to Africa not just to seek professional opportunities, but in solidarity with a common cause of development as free nations. As President Museveni said at the 3rd India Africa Forum Summit in Delhi in 2015 and I quote - "We fought against colonial rule together. Let us fight for mutual prosperity together.” Excellencies,
Today, India and Africa stand on the threshold of a future of great promise: as confident, secure, youthful, innovative, and dynamic people. Uganda is an example of Africa on the move. It is witnessing increasing gender parity, rising educational and health standards, and expanding infrastructure and connectivity. It is a region with growing trade and investment. We are seeing a surge of innovation. We in India rejoice in every African success, because of our deep bonds of friendships.
Excellencies,
India is proud to be Africa’s partner. And, Uganda is central to our commitment to the continent. Yesterday, I announced two Lines of Credit for Uganda. The first, of 141 million US dollars for electricity lines. And the second, of 64 million US dollars for agriculture and dairy production. As in the past, we will continue to support the aspirations of the people of Uganda – in agriculture and healthcare, education and training, infrastructure and energy, capacity building in government and training in defence. I compliment President Museveni and this House on the decision to join the International Solar Alliance.
Excellencies,
As with Uganda, we have deepened our partnership and engagement across the vast expanse of Africa. In the past four years, our President, Vice President and I have collectively visited no less than 25 countries in Africa. Our Ministers have covered virtually all African nations. We were honoured to host all 54 countries - over 40 at Heads of State and Government level - at the third Africa-India Forum Summit in October 2015. We were also privileged to host many African leaders for the inaugural summit of the International Solar Alliance. Other than all these, 32 Heads of State or Government from Africa have visited India in the last four years. My home state Gujarat was proud to be the host of the first ever meeting of the African Development Bank in India last year. And we are also opening 18 new embassies in Africa.
Excellencies,
Our development partnership currently includes implementation of 180 Lines of Credit worth about USD 11 billion in over 40 African countries. At the last India Africa Forum Summit, we had committed a concessional Line of Credit of 10 billion U.S. dollars and 600 million dollars in grant assistance. Every year, over 8000 African youth are trained in a diverse set of programmes. As always, our efforts will be driven by your priorities. Indian companies have invested over US$ 54 billion in Africa. Our trade with Africa is now over US$ 62 billion. This is over 21 per cent more than in the previous year. Africa's exports to India are growing. And, our economic ties are now increasingly driven by new partnerships of innovation in the digital economy. The Pan Africa E-Network links 48 African countries to India, and to one another. It can become the new backbone for digital innovation in Africa. With several coastal nations, our partnership now increasingly seeks to harness the benefits of Blue Economy in a sustainable manner. And, India’s medicines turned the tide on diseases that were once a threat to Africa’s future. They also continue to make healthcare affordable and accessible to many.
Excellencies,
As we work together for prosperity, we have stood together for peace. Indian soldiers have served in blue helmets so that Africa’s children can look to a future of peace. We are proud of the work of Indian peacekeepers in over a dozen UN peacekeeping missions in Africa, since our first mission in Congo in 1960. In all the UN peacekeeping Missions in the world, 163 Indians have made the supreme sacrifice. This is among the highest number for any country. Almost 70 per cent of these embraced martyrdom just in Africa. Today, over 6,000 Indians serve in five peacekeeping operations in Africa. Indian women established a landmark with the first all-female Police Unit of the United Nations in Liberia. Our defence and security cooperation is growing with nations in Africa, as we work together to counter terrorism and piracy, and keep our seas secure.
Excellencies,
India's engagement with Africa will continue to be guided by 10 principles.
One, Africa will be at the top of our priorities. We will continue to intensify and deepen our engagement with Africa. As we have shown, it will be sustained and regular.
Two, our development partnership will be guided by your priorities. It will be on terms that will be comfortable for you, that will liberate your potential and not constrain your future. We will rely on African talent and skills. We will build as much local capacity and create as many local opportunities as possible.
Three, we will keep our markets open and make it easier and more attractive to trade with India. We will support our industry to invest in Africa.
Four, we will harness India’s experience with digital revolution to support Africa’s development; improve delivery of public services; extend education and health; spread digital literacy; expand financial inclusion; and mainstream the marginalised.
This will not just be our partnership to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, but also to equip the youth of Africa for their place in the digital age.
Five, Africa has 60 per cent of the world’s arable land, but produces just 10 per cent of the global output. We will work with you to improve Africa’s agriculture.
Six, our partnership will address the challenges of climate change. We will work with Africa to ensure a just international climate order; to preserve our biodiversity; and, adopt clean and efficient energy sources.
Seven, we will strengthen our cooperation and mutual capabilities in combating terrorism and extremism; keeping our cyberspace safe and secure; and, supporting the UN in advancing and keeping peace;.
Eight, we will work with African nations to keep the oceans open and free for the benefit of all nations. The world needs cooperation and not competition in the eastern shores of Africa and the eastern Indian Ocean. That is why India’s vision of Indian Ocean Security is cooperative and inclusive, rooted in security and growth for all in the region.
Nine, and, this is especially important to me: as global engagement in Africa increases, we must all work together to ensure that Africa does not once again turn into a theatre of rival ambitions, but becomes a nursery for the aspirations of Africa’s youth.
Ten, Just as India and Africa fought colonial rule together, we will work together for a just, representative and democratic global order that has a voice and a role for one-third of humanity that lives in Africa and India. India's own quest for reforms in the global institutions is incomplete without an equal place for Africa. That will be a key purpose of our foreign policy.
Excellencies,
If this is to be a century of nations, rising together in freedom and equality; if this is to be an age when the light of opportunity dawns on all humans; if this is a time when our planet has a more hopeful future; then all of this magnificent continent of Africa must walk in step with the rest of the world. India will work with you and for you. Our partnership will build instruments of empowerment in Africa. We will stand in solidarity with your endeavours, in transparency, with respect and on the principle of equality. We will speak for you, and with you. Two-thirds of India and two-thirds of Africa is under the age of 35 years. And, if the future belongs to the youth, then this century is ours to shape and build. And, let us be guided by the Ugandan saying that is - "Anayejitahidihufaidi” which means "one who makes the extra effort will benefit”. India has made that extra effort for Africa. And will always do so. For Africa's benefit.
Thank you. Thank you very much.
Asante Sana
***
AKT/SH/AK
(Release ID :180994)
---- end large extract from http://pib.nic.in/newsite/pmreleases.aspx ----
[I thank wikipedia and pib.nic.in and have presumed that they will not have any objections to me sharing the above extracts from their websites on this post which is freely viewable by all, and does not have any financial profit motive whatsoever.]
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