Rediffmail Money rediffGURUS BusinessEmail

Former Ugandan dictator Idi Amin dies

August 16, 2003

Former Ugandan dictator Idi Amin on Saturday died in a Saudi Arabian hospital after a prolonged illness. He was 80. He had been admitted to the King Faisal Specialised Hospital in the Red Sea port city of Jiddah some time in July.

A boxing champion, Idi Amin seized power in 1971 and ruled the country for eight years with an iron hand. It is suspected that about 500,000 people were killed during this time. Also, most Indians were forced to flee the country.

After being overthrown in 1979, he found refuge in Saudi Arabia.

The Ugandan government has reportedly turned down his family's request to allow him to be buried in his homeland.

WEB STORIES

10-Min Probiotic Recipe: Bhaat Kanji

Ramzan Feasting: 12 More Heavenly Street Foods

9 Beautiful Historic Mosques Of India

VIDEOS

NEWS BUSINESS MOVIES CRICKET SPORTS GET AHEAD REDIFF-TV REDIFF ASTRO MOBILE RECHARGE BILL PAYMENTS