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President
of Uganda
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Idi Amin
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Birth -
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1925?
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Death -
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2003
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Place of Birth -
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Buganda (now in Uganda)
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Term -
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1971-1979
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Known for Overthrowing Ugandan president Milton
Obote and ruling through terror, ordering the deaths of approximately 300,000
persons considered to
be intellectuals or political opponents.
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Milestones -
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1946- Joined the King's African Rifles, the British colonial
army.
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1964 -Returned from military training in England, and was
promoted to colonel after suppressing a mutiny by the Ugandan army.
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1968- Became major general of Uganda's armed forces.
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1971- Led a military coup against Milton Obote and replaced him
as president.
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1972- Nationalized Ugandan companies and forced approximately
70,000 Asians, who owned most of the country's businesses, to leave Uganda.
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1972- Survived a failed coup by military officers.
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1976- Appointed himself president for life.
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1979- Was overthrown by the Tanzanian army with help from
Ugandan rebels operating out of Tanzania.
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Did You Know -
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Amin was heavyweight boxing
champion of Uganda from 1951 to 1960.
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After Amin was overthrown, Milton
Obote returned to Uganda and served as president from 1980 until he was again
overthrown in 1985.
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Amin was airlifted from Uganda by
Libyan military forces after his overthrow and lived in exile in Saudi Arabia
until his death.
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Amin fathered 43 children.
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