February 1971 - Uganda's New Strongman: Major General

February 1971 - Uganda's New Strongman: Major General Idi Amin, surrounded by armed soldiers, drives through the crowded streets. It all started with the rattling of gunfire throughout the night of January 24, 1971, which gave residents of Kampala not the slightest chance to sleep. Only a few people, probably only men of the armed forces, knew what was going on. The gunfire continued throughout them morning, and still there was no real knowledge of what was taking place. Then at 3:45 p. m. Radio Uganda interrupted its day-long music broadcasts, and an unnamed soldier read a lengthy statement announcing that the army had taken over the government. They also decided to take power from Dr Obote and hand it to our fellow soldier, Major General Idi Amin Dada. (Photograph by Drum Photographer BAHA)

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Amin Announcing Broadcasts Chance Continued Crowded Dada Decided Drives Fellow Gunfire Interrupted Kampala Knew Knowledge Lengthy Obote Residents Slightest Statement Strongman Throughout Uganda Ugandas Unnamed

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