The African nation of Uganda has had many
struggles with their government and people groups since they gained their
independence in 1962. There have been many changes in leadership that have
caused even more problems.
The struggles of Uganda’s government
system began shortly after their independence. Prime Minister Milton Obote allowed
Sir Edward Mutesa to be elected president and head of state. Obote meant for Mutesa’s
position to be a mostly non-governing role. In 1966 Obote sent his military
commander Idi Amin to attack Mutesa’s palace.[1] The Prime
Minister created a new constitution that changed federal structure and declared
himself the first president. Obote kept his role as president until Idi Amin
gained control which he did in 1971 by staging a coup that began his reign of
terror. Obote stayed in Tanzania with a small army. Within the seven years he was
in control Amin destroyed the nation of Uganda. He forced the Asian middle-class
workers out of the country and killed people of Uganda that were not part of
his tribe. It has been said that 100,000 to 500,000 were tortured or killed[2]. In 1978
Amin tried to invade Tanzania but ended up fleeing to Saudi Arabia.[3] Tito
Okello staged a coup in 1980 to give the power back to Obote. However, Obote
became very violent so Okello lead another coup against Obote who eventually
went to Zambia.[4]
Below is a picture of Idi Amin:
These events created many problems for Uganda.
The economy was falling apart because of leadership changes and the loss of the
Asian middle class. Tribes were fighting and destroying land to spread their beliefs
depending on which leader they chose to follow. People were living in fear and
some were even forced to leave the country to stay safe. Uganda is now more stable,
and its exports have expanded. I hope you have enjoyed learning all about
Uganda this semester.
References
HISTORY OF UGANDA. Accessed March 07, 2018. http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?historyid=ad22.
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