Godfrey Binaisa's Tumultuous Rule: Struggles After Amin's Fall

The ouster of Idi Amin in April 1979 brought hopes of stability to Uganda, but instead ushered in a period of insecurity and hardship, especially in Kampala. Former President Godfrey Lukongwa Binaisa struggled to maintain authority as violent crimes surged, often linked to armed men in uniform.

Binaisa’s government faced a demoralized police force wary of confronting soldiers. Reliance fell on the undisciplined Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA) and unpredictable Tanzanian forces. Rumors pointed fingers at ex-Amin soldiers, UNLA members, or Buganda monarchists.

In September 1979, Binaisa urgently sought UN help in New York, requesting an international police force for security. He also chased economic aid at a Paris donors’ conference to combat shortages of basics like sugar, soap, and clothing amid magendo black markets and export woes.

Despite outreach to Western powers and rival government bids to the Soviet bloc, aid was minimal. Global distractions like the Iranian revolution and Afghanistan overshadowed Uganda. Donors offered warm words but little substance.

Tanzania emerged as the key player. While claiming neutrality to prevent violence, its troops lingered, engaging in coffee barter trade and facing robbery accusations. A December 1979 deal with Binaisa aimed to formalize payments for their presence, reportedly funded by coffee sales.

By early 1980, Tanzanian influence solidified. They stood by during Paulo Muwanga’s coup against Binaisa, enabling Obote’s return. As Martin Aliker once quipped, Binaisa ‘failed at everything he touched.’

This account draws from Reinventing Uganda: Political Imagination and Social Change after the Fall of Idi Amin (1979-1980), serialized in Daily Monitor (source).