The Economy of Uganda
Idi Amin and the Expulsion of Asians
In 1972, dictator Idi Amin expelled tens of thousands of Ugandan Asians, many of them business owners, wrecking the economy.
A defining shock.
Background
Indians and other South Asians had built up trade and manufacturing during and after colonial times.
Expulsion
In 1972, Amin gave them 90 days to leave, and around 50,000 to 80,000 were forced out.
Effects
Businesses were handed to inexperienced owners, and output, tax revenue and expertise fell.
Return
After Amin’s fall, the government invited many back and returned some property.
A closed shop
A once-busy trading store lay empty after its owners were expelled.
Ignoring the long economic cost of the expulsion
It took decades to recover.
Key takeaways
- Amin expelled Asians in 1972.
- Tens of thousands left.
- The economy suffered.
- Some later returned.
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