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OPINION

By Mariam Wangadya

Thursday last week was the day Idi Amin was ousted from power On April 11, 1979, a momentous event that forever altered the course of Uganda’s history occurred: Amin was ousted from power.

It was Maj. Gen. David Oyite Ojok who stood before the nation, announcing the long-awaited liberation from the tyrannical grip of one of Africa’s most notorious dictators.

The 1970s were a dark chapter in Uganda’s history, marred by untold atrocities and egregious human rights violations committed under Idi Amin’s regime.

It was a time when fear permeated every aspect of society and dissent was met with brutal repression. Innocent civilians were subjected to arbitrary arrests, torture and extrajudicial killings, as Amin’s reign of terror spared no one.

Yet, amid the horrors of that era, there were those who dared to resist, who refused to be silenced in the face of tyranny. Their stories, though often forgotten by mainstream history, serve as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Today, we raise a toast not only to their memory, but also to those who bore witness to the darkest days of Uganda’s past. For those who lived through the tumultuous 1970s, the significance of Amin’s ousting cannot be overstated. It represented a glimmer of hope amid the despair, a beacon of light in a sea of darkness. It was a moment of triumph for the countless victims of Amin’s brutality, whose voices had long been silenced by fear and oppression.

But the road to liberation was not without its challenges. It required the courage and determination of individuals like Maj. Gen. David Oyite Ojok, who risked everything to lead the charge against Amin’s regime.

Oyite Ojok’s announcement on this day in history marked the culmination of years of struggle and sacrifice, a testament to the power of collective action in the face of tyranny.

We also pay tribute to the visionary leadership of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and President Yoweri Museveni, whose unwavering support for the liberation movements across Africa helped pave the way for Amin’s downfall.

Nyerere’s principles of unity, justice and equality resonated deeply with the oppressed masses, inspiring them to rise up against their oppressors and demand a better future for themselves and their children. And let us not forget the role played by the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces, whose bravery and selflessness in the face of adversity helped tip the scales in favour of freedom and democracy.

Their sacrifices will forever be etched in the annals of history, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the African people. As we commemorate this pivotal moment in Uganda’s history, let us honour the memory of those who fought and died for the cause of freedom.

Let us recommit ourselves to the values of justice, equality and human dignity and strive to build a future where such atrocities remain nothing more than a distant memory.

The writer is the Chairperson, Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC).