The History Of Uganda and its 22 year Civil War Part 4

Once Again Uganda found itself in the midst of presidential transition. Seemingly it presented an opportunity for a Genuine Leader who would bring peace, restoration and stability to a country in ruin. Many Ugandan's held onto this hope. However, as time passed and events unfolded the hopes they once possessed for change would once again burn out.

In the summer of 1980 Political Elections were held. On the surface holding formal elections was a step forward in comparison to the numerous coup's that had taken place in the past. As the election came to a close Milton Obote once again was named President. This election was met with speculation and controversy due to the increasing reports that Obote had rigged and orchestrated the election.

Almost immediately Obote returned to the torture and murderous tactics he had operated in during his first time as president. The Ugandan Army became nothing more than a force dedicated to wiping out any and all opposition to Obote. Resistance to Obote was much more organized and precise and he soon found he had a serious civil war on his hands as the Acholi people joined together with the Buganda's and the National Resistance Army led by Yoweri Museveni.

Upon hearing of the unrest and injustice occuring in Uganda Obote was quickly condemned by the international community. This seemed to only increase the violence and fighting that was taking place.

Amnesty International along with other International Justice groups publicly denounced Obote's Police state and his torturous tactics. He was soon charged with directing the killing of 100,000 civilians.

In 1985, once again a coup was staged and for the second time Obote was forced to flee Uganda. Initially he fled to neighbouring Kenya. Having promised his political career was over he was granted asylum in Zambia.

Obote died of Kidney Failure in October of 2005, having never stood trial for any of his crimes.

The History Of Uganda and its 22 year Civil War Part 3

The Transition of Control from Obote to Amin was initially met with optimism and support from both Uganda and the International Community. This support quickly evaporated as evidence of his acts of terror against Ugandan's came to light. For His Devastating acts of Idi Amin would come to be known as "The Butcher Of Uganda". There are many reasons this name is frighteningly justified.

After seizing power of Uganda Amin immediately began to hold mass executions of anyone he believed supported Obote. In his first year as President he had 2/3's of the 9,000 soldiers in the National Army killed.

In 1972, Amin determined he would make Uganda a "black man's country". He Expelled between 40,000 & 80,000 Pakistani's & Indians. Shortly after this he also dictated that all asians must leave the country within 90 days. These expulsions delivered a devastating blow to Uganda's economy.

As Support from other nations ceased Amin was forced to find new means of receiving arms and supplies. Throughout all this Amin continued to remove any means through which he could lose power. His continual execution of those thought to support Obote reaches new levels as an estimated 300,000 Ugandan's are murdered. In some cases entire villages are wiped out.

As Amin re allocated money to fund his army this compounded the already crashing economy. Uganda was taking punches from numerous directions and was spiraling out of control.

In 1975, Amin Declared himself president for life. He was determined to not lose power.

As Amin sought to tighten his grip his tactics began to work against him. In 1976, Amin is caught in the middle of a Palestinian Guerilla's attack of an Air france plane carrying 105 Israeli citizens. However, in a combined raid by the British & Israeli troops the crisis is brought to an end with only two hostages losing their lives.

Amin's reaction to this failure is swift and brutal. He begins yet another series of Mass Executions of anyone he believes has conspired against him. The Archbishop of Uganda and various cabinet members are among those caught in this latest mass murder.

In 1979, Amin attempts to divert attention away from Uganda's increasing decline Amin invades neighbouring Tanzania. However Tanzania counter invades and Amin is forced to flee into Libya with his 4 wives, 30 mistresses and 20 children.

Shortly after arriving in Libya, he is forced to leave as a result of pressure from the Libyan government. Amin would eventually settle in Saudi Arabi.

As the dust began to Settle Amin's time as President left Uganda with hundreds of 1000's murdered, a once thriving agricultural and commercial economy in tatters, an annual inflation rate of 200%, and a national debt of US $320 million,

In every way avenue of control Amin had he crippled it and left in his wake chaos and diseray the likes of which had not been seen before in Uganda.

The History Of Uganda and it's 22 year Civil War Part 2:

In January of 1971 Milton Obote travelled to Singapore for a Commonwealth meeting. Idi Amin saw his opportunity to act and did just that, seizing control of Uganda.  Amin's imminent plans of staging a coup and overtaking Obote created a trepidation that had gripped Obote in the months leading up to Amin's attack. Had Amin chosen to stage his coup with Obote still in Uganda He may not have escaped with his life. After the attack Obote took refuge in Tanzania, and remained there for the duration of Idi Amin's bloody and socially and economically devasting reign.  

Initially Amin's overthrow and his seizure of the rule of Uganda was welcomed not only by Ugandan's but also by a large majority of the International Community. However, it didn't take long for Amin's charm and seemingly compelling charisma to give way to his vicious cruelty and exponential paranoia. Months after Amin seized control, Obote, with the help of supporters he still had in the Ugandan army who were predominately from the Acholi & Lango ethnic groups made an attempt to regain control from Amin but were unsuccessful. 

Amin retaliated by bombing various towns throughout Tanzania as well as expelling all remaining Acholi and Lango troops serving in the Ugandan Army. As Amin's paranoia increased so did the ferociousness of his actions against both soldiers and citizens. The Nile Mansions Hotel In Uganda's Capital city Kampala became infamous as his personal Interrogation and Torture centre.  These early actions bred fear in Ugandan's that enveloped the entire country. However, all of this could not have prepared them for the atrocities and injustice yet to come, and how damaging and annihilative his time as President was to Uganda's development, stability and struggle to exist as a nation free from tyranny and social & political injustice

The History Of Uganda and it's 22 year Civil War Part 1

Since the war began in Uganda 22 years ago 1.7 million people have been forced into IDP (Internally Displaced Person) Camps. Thousands of the children currently living in the numerous IDP camps were born in these camps, and have known nothing more than the struggle, hardship, fear & abuse that comes with living in these camps. However, there was a time when Ugandans lived freely in the beauty of the Nation they called home. Uganda is a country that has a long history of political and economic struggles.  It has known times of peace and stability but it didn't typically last. Uganda was released from British control and granted Independence in 1962. Uganda's Struggle to find economic and domestic stability has been perpetually nullified by the seemingly constant Political unrest. 

When Uganda gained independence the Nation was to be Co-Governed by two men. Kabaka Mutesa II became Uganda's first president and Milton Obote was named Uganda's Prime Minister. 4 Short years later Milton Obote with the help of a young Colonel Idi Amin seized control from President Mutesa II. Upon his seizure of both roles Obote had legislation passed that combined both positions. Obote was appointed to fill the new role the same day it was created.  After an assassination attempt in December of 1969 Obote had all ten political opposition leaders arrested and all opposition parties were banned. Obote was becoming increasingly afraid of being overthrown in the same way he had taken power. Despite his Best efforts to prevent it the end of his time as President was quickly approaching.