A Dark Chapter Not To Be Rewritten: President Museveni Opposes Proposal To Establish Idi Amin Institute

By Hason Mutunzi Bwambale

Kampala: President Yoweri Museveni has expressed his strong opposition to a recent proposal by Hon. Fungaroo to establish the Idi Amin Institute, citing the illegitimacy of Idi Amin’s government and the atrocities committed during his regime.

In a letter addressed to the Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, the President emphasized the need to reject this request.

The President highlighted the unconstitutional nature of Idi Amin’s government, stating that it had no legitimate right to assume power over the country.

He pointed out that Uganda had a constitution in place by 1962, with elections held in 1961 and 1962.

However, the constitution was later altered in 1966/67 by a parliament elected in 1962. President Museveni called for a debate on the constitutional validity of such actions, asserting that Amin’s rise to power was unquestionably unconstitutional.

President Museveni further highlighted the numerous crimes committed under Idi Amin’s regime. These included the killings of Acholi and Lango soldiers in Mbarara, the massacre of prisoners in Mutukula Prison, and the assassinations of prominent figures such as Ben
Kiwanuka, Basil Bantaringaya, and his wife.

These atrocities, the President emphasized, were well documented by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry led by Justice Oder.
Moreover, President Museveni drew attention to the detrimental impact of Amin’s policies on the Ugandan economy.

He emphasized Amin’s ill-advised expulsion of Indian entrepreneurs, which resulted in the loss of their expertise and resources, subsequently benefiting countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom.

Given these factors, President Museveni firmly rejected the proposal to establish the Idi Amin Institute, emphasizing the need to acknowledge the illegality of Amin’s government and the crimes committed under his rule.

The president’s letter comes in response to an inquiry from Dr. Kagune of the National Council for Higher Education, seeking clarification on Hon. Fungaroo’s request.

The Ministry of Education and Sports has yet to respond to the President’s letter, and it remains to be seen how this controversial proposal will be addressed.