A group of Muslims has announced plans to hold a special national prayer (dua) for Uganda’s former president, Idi Amin, on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Masjid Yusuf Bakuuba in Kisaasi, Kampala.
The prayer will begin at 10 a.m., as stated on a flyer shared with the Nile Post.
The event seeks to reflect on Amin’s legacy, particularly his contributions to the nation’s development during his time in office.
Latif Sebaggala, the former Member of Parliament for Kawempe North and chairman of the organising committee, explained that the prayer offers an opportunity to consider a different aspect of Amin’s leadership, beyond the widely known negative view of his regime.
“This is a chance for people to understand Amin’s role in Uganda’s development, as he did a lot for the country, though many only focus on the excesses of his rule.We want to remember him and pray for him.”Latif said.
When asked why the prayer is taking place now, Sebaggala emphasized the need to ensure that Amin’s contributions to Uganda are not forgotten.
“Everything has a starting point, and we hope this will be the beginning of remembering him,” he added.
Sebaggala was also asked if the event had been cleared by the police. He responded, “Praying for someone doesn’t need permission. It’s like praying for my brother; we are just praying for our brother.”
Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, stated that the police were unaware of the event but would investigate further.
The event is open to the public and aims to bring together people from various backgrounds to reflect on Amin’s impact on Uganda.
Idi Amin, who served as Uganda’s third president from 1971 to 1979, is primarily remembered for his human rights abuses, the expulsion of Asians, and the economic collapse of the country. However, some argue that his tenure saw important infrastructure developments, including the expansion of the Uganda Railway, the establishment of Uganda Airlines, the improvement of road networks, and the establishment of Ugandan embassies abroad.
Idi Amin, born between 1925 and 1927 in Koboko, West Nile Province, was known for his strong leadership style from a young age.
Despite the negative legacy, President Museveni has frequently criticized Amin, accusing him of numerous atrocities. In 2023, Museveni rejected a request from former Obongi West MP Kaps Fungaroo to establish an institution in memory of Amin, arguing that his government was illegal and unconstitutional.
Museveni also condemned Idi Amin for violent actions, such as the killings of Acholi and Lango soldiers in Mbarara and the execution of political prisoners in Mutukula.
In 2018, the Uganda Tourism Board proposed the creation of a war museum to document Uganda’s darkest historical moments, including those under Amin’s regime, but the plan was not realized.
In October 2023, some political leaders and analysts suggested that Amin should be remembered for his contributions to Uganda, similar to how Museveni’s presidency will be viewed for both its positive and negative aspects. They pointed out that some of the issues Amin is criticized for were also present during Museveni’s rule.
Despite Amin’s controversial legacy, Fungaroo had argued that Amin’s infrastructure and economic contributions, such as the Uganda Railway, Uganda Airlines, and road networks, should be acknowledged as part of his lasting impact on the country.
Museveni, however, maintains that Idi Amin’s rule was unconstitutional and illegal, lacking the formal structures of a functioning parliament and judiciary.
