Amin's honey moon
The reasons for giving much support to Amin's coup were:
Amin started by releasing the political prisoners on 28th January 1971
and they include Grace Ibingira, Mathias Ngobi, Ben Kiwanuka, Balaki
Kirya, Abu Mayanja, and Paul Semogerere among others. These people were
serving indefinite imprisonment as Obote arrested them.
Amin toured the north and pleased people in Lango by signing a cheque for Obote's parents.
The 18 reasons for the coup promised everything the Ugandans wanted
ranging from elections, security, and respect of human rights, unity
and economic development.
He appeared to have thorough military control over the army men who refrained from terrorizing innocent people.
He appeared to have thorough military control over the army men who refrained from terrorizing innocent people.
He promised a return to civilian rule as soon as possible. He declared
that he was not a politician but a professional soldier who would
return to the barracks and let other people take over.
Appointed one of the most educated cabinet all over Africa. Some of the
ministers were Prof. Banage, Prof. Rugumayo, Prof. Nabudere, Dr Gesa,
Abu Mayanja (lawyer), Ben Kiwanuka (Lawyer), Wanume Kibedi (lawyer),
among others.
To the delight of many Baganda, Amin returned the body of the late Edward Mutesa, which was awarded state burial in April 1971.
Promised the African traders control of their economy by themselves. They saw Amin as a saviour of fellow Ugandans.
People thought the coup was going to solve all the economic problems in Uganda.
The DP members thought the fall of UPC meant their turn to rise to political prominence.
The DP members thought the fall of UPC meant their turn to rise to political prominence.
In Buganda, there was hysterical rejoicing at the fall of a man who had
destroyed and led to the humiliation of their king and their kingdom.
The western powers such as USA and Britain saw in Amin a loyal ally in
the fight against the growing threat of communism in Africa.
The British and Asian businessmen were happy because of the fall of the
government that was introducing socialism and discouraging private
enterprises.
Even the church leaders thought that God had put his hand of mercy over
Uganda by bringing Amin whom they thought was genuine in his actions.
Internal support also came from businessmen and big farmers because
they benefited a lot from the regime. People's "loyalty" to Amin was
further enhanced by Amin's economic war against Asians and Europeans,
and subsequent expulsion, which enriched businessmen overnight and
turned them into "Mafutamingis" (or people with a lot of fats). To his
supporters Amin gave generously the confiscated property of 80,000
Asians expelled in 1972. People got well-stocked shops, farms,
factories, cars, houses and land.
Lastly on the international scene, Amin's government was officially recognised and supported. Britain and Israel provided aid, trained the army and police. Amin also benefited from Americans, Kenyans, Russians, Pakistanis, Libyans, Saudi Arabians, Germans, and, for military manpower, Sudanese and Zairois.
Lastly on the international scene, Amin's government was officially recognised and supported. Britain and Israel provided aid, trained the army and police. Amin also benefited from Americans, Kenyans, Russians, Pakistanis, Libyans, Saudi Arabians, Germans, and, for military manpower, Sudanese and Zairois.
Whatever motives they had, they were soon to be shocked by Amin's
unpredictable character and expensive demands. It was only Tanzania,
Sudan, Guinea and Zambia, which did not recognise Amin. Nyerere called
the coup an act of treason. This honeymoon was short lived. Time went
on until the true colours of the General became clear especially after
facing stiff opposition.
National Movements and New States in Africa