Today, Wednesday, August 16, 2017 marks exactly 14 years since former President of Uganda Idi Amin Dada died. He went out of power as he went in–by means of a military coup.
Ugandan and Tanzanian forces deposed Amin, who fled to Libya, then Iraq, and eventually to Saudi Arabia, where he died 20 years later.
Riccardo Orizio, a London correspondent for La Repubblic located and interviewed Amin before death, only to hear him insist, “I’m still on top of things, I’m still a man of influence. Better check the fridge.”
Asked if he had any regrets, Amin told Orizio “No, only nostalgia.”
Amin ruled Uganda from 1971 to 1979, during which time human rights groups estimate that 100,000 to 500,000 people were killed.
James W. Reapsome, a former editor of Evangelical Missions Quarterly (EMQ) says about 400,000 Christians died, disappeared, or fled the country during his reign.
The most notable Christian victim of Amin’s reign is Anglican Archbishop, Janani Luwum, apparently shot by Amin himself on Feb. 16, 1977.
Christianity will always report of this Archbishop who took a bold step when he demanded that dictator Idi Amin put an end to extrajudicial killings, political repression, corruption and ethnic persecution.
Janani Luwum’s body was later placed in mangled car wreck in a staged accident, reports say.
But on Monday (Feb. 16), Uganda celebrated his life and ministry with President Museveni stating that “He chose to die for the truth.”
“We salute him for that, and we shall always be grateful to his memory forever.” Museveni said.
Amin was particularly hostile toward Christianity and tried to turn Uganda into a Muslim state, wrote Henry Kyemba, author of “A State of Blood.”
According to the Washington Post, his hatred of the Jews was made perfectly clear when seven terrorists hijacked a flight from Tel Aviv. Amin allowed the hijackers to land at Uganda’s Entebbe airport, leading to one of the most daring rescue missions in Israeli history.
Ugandans have today taken to social media conflicting reactions about Amin’s death anniversary.
As some claim he did better that the incumbent regime, others have no kind words for the “dictator.”
“Today Amin is becoming popular and people are realizing that the man was a great leader who had love for his country. They fabricated everything to make sure that amin is hated by every one. They thought they will keep the truth forever which is impossible.” (A one) Yusufu Nyende has said.
Rwankole Savelino said; “Amin should not be praised for his brutal rule on Ugandans. Why praise Amin who wanted turn Uganda into Islamic state? No freedom of worship, expression, only praise him as if he was GOD! Those who praise him are murderers like him!”
By Paul Dennis.
