SubSaharan Africa 455
Narrative: In January 1971, Uganda’s President Obote was ousted in a military coup
and replaced by General Idi Amin. Obote sought refuge in Tanzania, where the coun-
try’s president offered asylum and support. Soon after the military coup, though, Amin
asserted that Tanzania was preparing for an attack to reinstate Obote and instructed
Uganda’s military forces to begin preparations for the attack. Tanzania’s president
denied these allegations but also warned citizens in his country to prepare to defend
themselves. Meanwhile, the Tanzanian government refused to acknowledge General
Amin as head of Uganda and continued to support President Obote as the legitimate
leader. Military clashes began and escalated in August 1971, although both militaries
were mobilized earlier and Amin began making threats of force as early as January
- Thanks to mediation by Kenya both two countries reached an agreement to keep
economic ties through the East African Community. While this agreement appears to
have ended the fighting, it did not resolve the larger issue of Tanzania’s acceptance of
Amin as Uganda’s legitimate head of state. As of December 1971, Tanzania still did
not recognize Amin’s government.
Coding changes: End Date changed from December 25, 1971. Outcome changed
from Unclear. Settlement changed from None.
MID#1381
Dispute Number: 1381
Date(s): September 17, 1972 to May 28, 1973
Participants: 500 Uganda, 620 Libya/510 Tanzania
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (Negotiated)
Fatalities: 101–250 deaths
Narrative: On September 18, 1972, 1,500 armed supporters of former Ugandan
president Obote invaded Uganda from Tanzania with assistance from the Tanzanian
government. The rebels occupied Kyotera, Kakuto, and Klisizo. Uganda requested
intervention from Organization of African Unity and the United Nations while Ugan-
dan aircraft attacked Bukoba, Tanzania. The Tanzanian government mobilized troops
to protect its border. Libya attempted to send troops and equipment by air to Uganda,
but Sudan detained the Libyan planes. Amin declared total victory the next day,
though hundreds of Obote’s supporters continued to fight. On September 21 the Voice
of Kenya reported that Uganda and Tanzania had agreed to a ceasefire. The following
day the Libyan pilots convinced the Sudanese that they would fly back to Libya but
instead flew to Entebbe, where they were personally received by Amin.
On September 24, 1972, Somali mediation led Uganda and Tanzania to agree to a
peace plan in principle, and on October 5, they signed an agreement. However, the
agreement did not last. Tanzania continued to support Obote and his rebels, while
Amin adopted policies that worried his neighbors. In December seven Tanzanian busi-
nessmen disappeared in Uganda and were never found. The next month Amin accused
Tanzania of supporting guerrillas for a renewed invasion and he demanded a British
journalist in Tanzania be expelled. In March Tanzania arrested several Ugandans
and deported most of them the following month. Amin accused Tanzania of massing
troops at the border, but on March 26, 1973, a Somali observer mission failed to find
a buildup of troops. Amin offered amnesty to Obote and his supporters three weeks