Over 300,000 Deaths Attributed to Idi Amin's Regime
Latest Tanzania politics news · Over 300,000 Deaths Attributed to Idi Amin's Regime explained · updated Aug 21, 2026 · politics news · government · policy
TLDR
- Idi Amin overthrew President Milton Obote in 1971 and declared himself President and Commander-in-Chief a week later.
- During Amin's regime, it is estimated that between 300,000 to 500,000 people were killed, including political opponents and critics.
- Notable figures killed during Amin's rule include former Prime Minister Benedicto Kiwanuka, Bishop Janani Luwum, and former Bank of Uganda Governor Joseph Mubiru.
- Many victims were from various ethnic and religious groups, journalists, artists, lawyers, and foreign nationals who opposed Amin's government.
- Reports indicate that the bodies of those killed were secretly disposed of in the Nile River.