FORMER Ugandan president Idi Amin has died. He had been in a coma for several weeks, and had been wrongly pronounced dead on many occasions. Amin was buried in Saudi-Arabia, soon after his death. <b>Joshua Kato</b> talked to some Ugandans about Amin’s burial in Mecca and below are their views.
Badru Ssegunya, a barber, "It was not right to bury him there, though as a muslim, we believe in quick burials," He says Amin was not like any other muslim, so he thought that the corpse should have been reserved and brought back in Uganda. "Though he had weaknesses, Amin was one of our best leaders. He constructed the Conference Centre, he started Uganda airlines and Uganda Railways," he says tearfully.
Kevina Lubonzi, "It is unfortunate that he has died before the law took its course. I do not have any problem with the way he was buried, because he also never cared about the way his victims were buried," she adds that it would have been good if Amin had acted as an example to all dictators in the world, that bad rule is a crime.
Kaweesa Milito, "It was not right to bury Amin in exile. It is like we buried a strong piece of our history in a foreign land. But even then, his legacy will live on." He says he was 16 years when Amin came to power and that there was a lot of rejoicing in the country. "Many people became very rich when he chased away Asians. He gave Ugandans a new sense of belonging," he says.
Edward Kibuuka, a teacher, "We shall not miss him anyway. He has not been contributing anything to the politics of this country, apart from being used by the current government as a scape- goat, during every election campaign." He, however, says Amin should have been brought back and buried in his country.
Moses Awiya, a photographer, "As a former sportsman, I will always remember Amin because of his love for sports. He had weaknesses, but his regime brought a lot of hope for sportsmen." He adds that burying him in exile was a decision taken by his family, so he does not question it.
Muhamad Lwanga, He gave islam new life when he came to power. We shall always remember him as the modern father of islam in Uganda." On Amin's burial in Saudi Arabia, he says Islam does not mind about where somebody is buried, as long as there are muslims to effect the burial.
Saul Bukenya, "The mighty has fallen? And his flesh has been buried? And it is going to be eaten up by maggots? I thought Amin will never die. He had that air of invincibility around him, that sent shock waves down the spines of all those he tormented." About his burial, he says his family is even lucky to know where their kin is buried, unlike those he killed, whose graves have never been found.
Bongole Mapema, "Amin's body should have been brought back. Some of us who never saw him would have been contented by seeing his grave." Amin was a bad man, but he also did things people will reme-mber. "As a Muganda, l am happy that he returned the body of the King, Sir Edward Muteesa."
