Idi Amin

Date of Birth: May 17, 1925

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: August 16, 2003

Biography

Idi Amin Dada Oumee was a Ugandan military officer and politician who served as the President of Uganda from 1971 to 1979. Born in Koboko, Uganda, Amin rose through the ranks of the British Colonial Army, where he gained a reputation as a skilled soldier. In January 1971, he seized power in a military coup, overthrowing President Milton Obote. Amin’s rule was characterized by gross human rights abuses, political repression, ethnic persecution, extrajudicial killings, and economic mismanagement. It is estimated that between 100,000 and 500,000 people were killed during his regime. Amin declared himself “President for Life” and bestowed upon himself numerous grandiose titles, including “Conqueror of the British Empire” and “Last King of Scotland.” His erratic behavior and brutal policies earned him international notoriety. Following a war with Tanzania in 1979, Amin was ousted from power. He fled to Libya, then Iraq, and finally found asylum in Saudi Arabia, where he lived until his death in 2003.

5 Interesting Facts about Idi Amin

1. Idi Amin was a champion boxer in Uganda’s light heavyweight category from 1951 to 1960.

2. He expelled the Asian community from Uganda in 1972, which led to significant economic decline.

3. Amin was known for his eccentric and bizarre behavior, such as sending a congratulatory letter to Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of her Silver Jubilee, claiming he was the “Conqueror of the British Empire.”

4. Despite his brutal regime, Amin enjoyed playing the accordion and swimming.

5. After being ousted from power, Amin lived in exile in Saudi Arabia, where he was given a safe haven and a stipend by the Saudi government.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Idi Amin

1. “In any country, there must be people who have to die. They are the sacrifices any nation has to make to achieve law and order.”

2. “I am the hero of Africa.”

3. “I want to be remembered as a great athlete.”

4. “Sometimes people mistake the way I talk for what I am thinking.”

5. “If we knew the meaning to everything that is happening to us, then there would be no meaning.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his power, Idi Amin’s net worth was estimated to be around $100 million, derived largely from state resources and looted assets.

Children

Idi Amin is believed to have fathered between 30 and 45 children with multiple wives and mistresses. His known children include Jaffar Amin, Taban Amin, and Hussein Amin, among others.