President Yoweri Museveni has expressed his disapproval of the suggestion to establish an institute in memory of Idi Amin, as outlined in a letter dated October 5, 2023, which was addressed to the First Lady and Minister for Education and Sports, Janet Kataha Museveni.
The request for the Idi Amin Memorial Institute was submitted by former Obongi County Member of Parliament, Hassan Kaps Fungaroo, to the National Council for Higher Education. However, President Museveni’s rejection is rooted in the concerns regarding the legitimacy of Idi Amin’s government and the breach of the 1962 Constitution.
President Museveni acknowledges the constitutional amendments in 1966/67 but maintains that their constitutionality remains a subject of debate. He strongly underscores that Idi Amin’s subsequent actions were unconstitutional and marked by numerous crimes.
In his letter, President Museveni cites various crimes committed during Amin’s rule, including the killing of Acholi and Lango Soldiers in Mbarara, the execution of prisoners in Mutukula Prison, and the murders of individuals like Ben Kiwanuka, Basil Bataringaya, and his wife. Additionally, he recalls how Amin’s expulsion of Indian entrepreneurs negatively impacted Uganda’s economy, deeming it an ill-advised move that enriched other countries at Uganda’s expense.
Given this historical backdrop, President Museveni firmly opposes the idea of establishing an institute in General Idi Amin’s memory, considering it unnecessary and against Uganda’s best interests. He emphasizes that the forgiving Ugandan populace has already pardoned surviving associates of Amin, and it is time to leave history in the past.
On the other hand, Hassan Kaps Fungaroo, the proponent of the Institute, argues that it is a matter of national importance aimed at rectifying inaccuracies in Uganda’s history, particularly those concerning the people of West Nile. Fungaroo believes that these historical inaccuracies have unjustly portrayed the West Nile people and are affecting their present and future generations.
Fungaroo contends that correcting historical inaccuracies is a collective responsibility, and the Idi Amin Memorial Institute is a step toward addressing broader issues that impact all Ugandans.
