Advantages of the expulsion of Asians
For
the first time Ugandans felt liberated from the colonial masters and
their Asian agents Asians were mistreating Ugandans but when they went
away, Ugandans became free.
Positively, it was reported that in no African nation had
Africanisation been carried out so quickly and so completely as under
Amin's regime. Amin's declaration of the economic war was a serious
step in the disruption of the colonial economic structure that had kept
the indegenous population out of their economy - a situation that had
remained unchanged even after independence. The indegenous population
saw Amin's act as their first opportunity to secure economic self-
determination.
The expulsion of Asians generated job opportunities for the local population. There were about 6000 unemployed people gathered in the city. With the Asians out of the way, Africans were introduced to the wealth of their country. All along they had thought that to live in luxury, it required being either highly educated or having a post in government or being an Indian. However, all of a sudden, this wealth could be put to use by ordinary Ugandan Africans. Such business terms like letters of credit, proforma invoices, bank drafts etc became ordinary language on the streets of Kampala and in market places all over the country! Even those with basic common sense could manipulate business and acquire luxuries.
The expulsion of Asians generated job opportunities for the local population. There were about 6000 unemployed people gathered in the city. With the Asians out of the way, Africans were introduced to the wealth of their country. All along they had thought that to live in luxury, it required being either highly educated or having a post in government or being an Indian. However, all of a sudden, this wealth could be put to use by ordinary Ugandan Africans. Such business terms like letters of credit, proforma invoices, bank drafts etc became ordinary language on the streets of Kampala and in market places all over the country! Even those with basic common sense could manipulate business and acquire luxuries.
The Asian exodus led to loss of property to Ugandan Africans. While the
majority Asians left the country in tears, they lost only their
property; none were killed. With their lives intact and hardworking
qualities in most difficult situations, many were able to make up and
start a new life in other countries. Strangely enough, those who
overthrew the hated Amin regime made it a top priority to reinstate the
expelled Asian community even at the expense of throwing out into the
cold their own black citizens to make room for the Indians. Even laws
to return Asian property were passed. Today, Asian dominance is being
felt on the Ugandan economic scene.
The event became a focus of both the local and international media. There were reports exposing the luxurious life some of tine expelled Asians were leading. The Ugandan media [Voice of Uganda] countered that the expelled Asian lifestyle was a "result of the vast foreign exchange which they had been siphoning off over the years, a fact that has definitely incapacitated Uganda's economy. Additionally when Amin died in 2003, his expulsion of Asians was one of the most written about events in the history of the ex-president.
The event became a focus of both the local and international media. There were reports exposing the luxurious life some of tine expelled Asians were leading. The Ugandan media [Voice of Uganda] countered that the expelled Asian lifestyle was a "result of the vast foreign exchange which they had been siphoning off over the years, a fact that has definitely incapacitated Uganda's economy. Additionally when Amin died in 2003, his expulsion of Asians was one of the most written about events in the history of the ex-president.
Property was distributed on sectarian lines. The war therefore achieved
economic salvation for those with connections with Amin i.e. soldiers
and others close to the seat of power allocated themselves a string of
businesses for example Lt. Col. Maliyamungu, Col. Bukyanagandi Itabuka,
Col. Sabuni and Governor Nassur, Moslems, the African Traders
Association etc. Even Amin admitted that he had already warned that
senior army officers, particularly provincial governors who had many
businesses and houses would be dismissed at once from their services so
that they could go and do business. He stressed that since the economic
war no one had to own more than one business; it appeared, however that
some army officers tried "to own a house in every town in Uganda. This
is capitalism. They are spoiling Uganda's name."
When the Asians left Uganda, business was in the hands of Ugandans who got experienced in trade.
The banking system was reformed such that Ugandans were able get financial loans for trade and development.
Import substitution industries developed especially small-scale industries for example craftsmen, pottery among others.
There was the emergency of new class of rich people called the
"Mafutamingi" who replaced the Asians in the field of commerce and
industries, banking, among others. There was emergency of a new
distinct exploitative class to replace Asian nationals ie the
Mafutamingi, comprising of military officers, governors, and
opportunists (main local beneficiaries of the regime). The Mafutamingi
spent time in Kenya driving the most up to date cars, and in Kampala,
drinking and playing golf. They had access/ control over the bank of
Uganda from which they obtained foreigner exchange, imported goods and
sold them at inflated prices.
Segregative colonial policies especially in residence, transport,
education, etc were removed. This enabled Africans to enjoy high
standards of living.
There was increase in relationship with Arab countries, Saudi Arabia and Libya.
National Movements and New States in Africa