Why Amin was able to rule for long
Idi Amin was not expected rule for long but because he had a political plan, he ruled longer and was even declared life president of Uganda. The following factors were responsible for Amin’s ability to consolidate power and rule for eight years.
• The 1972, economic war that enriched some people overnight created support for Amin.
• The suspension of political activities in the country such that no body was allowed to organise politically to challenge Amin.
• Amin had a mercenary army trained from some tribes in Sudan, Kenya and Zaire as well Ugandans from minority tribes who could not disobey him.
• There was a powerful security network in form of State Research Bureau, Anti Corruption Unit and Public Safety Unit and police.
• Lowering of powers of the judiciary and police to make sure that the actions of the government would go unchallenged by law.
• Amin’s intolerance of the educated people. Government dealt severely with all the highly educated people who would have challenged the regime.
• The abolition of the 1967 constitution left Amin to rule by degrees.
• The introduction of court martial to try civilians and punishment through public executions.
• Amin’s personal charisma as a very attractive, good orator and active man in all events which made him popular.
• There was a lot of support from the Arab countries such as Libya, Egypt and Saudi Arabia that supported the regime financially.
• The Baganda who constitute a majority in central region also initially supported him.
• The 1972, economic war that enriched some people overnight created support for Amin.
• The suspension of political activities in the country such that no body was allowed to organise politically to challenge Amin.
• Amin had a mercenary army trained from some tribes in Sudan, Kenya and Zaire as well Ugandans from minority tribes who could not disobey him.
• There was a powerful security network in form of State Research Bureau, Anti Corruption Unit and Public Safety Unit and police.
• Lowering of powers of the judiciary and police to make sure that the actions of the government would go unchallenged by law.
• Amin’s intolerance of the educated people. Government dealt severely with all the highly educated people who would have challenged the regime.
• The abolition of the 1967 constitution left Amin to rule by degrees.
• The introduction of court martial to try civilians and punishment through public executions.
• Amin’s personal charisma as a very attractive, good orator and active man in all events which made him popular.
• There was a lot of support from the Arab countries such as Libya, Egypt and Saudi Arabia that supported the regime financially.
• The Baganda who constitute a majority in central region also initially supported him.
National Movements and New States in Africa