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NEW YORK, Dec. 30 (GIN) - More than 20 years after he was
toppled from power and forced into exile in Saudi Arabia, Idi
Amin wants to return to Uganda - the country where, during his
eight-year dictatorship, at least 300,000 people were massacred.
According to news group Sapa-DPA, Amin - who was once known as
the "Butcher of Uganda" - wants to leave Mecca, return to live in
his home town of Arua, Uganda, and build up his former house.
Amin wants to live there "not as a dictator, but as a retiree,"
says his son, Hajji Ali.
Amin's family, many of whom have returned from exile to
Uganda, have been calling for Amin to be allowed back. In April,
Ali said "My father is completely innocent. We should talk about
something where there is evidence, but the evidence is just not
there."
The evidence, however, is stark, solid and brutal.
In addition to the 300,000 people that Amnesty International
say were killed there during his rule, Amin expelled some 50,000
people of Asian decent - giving them just weeks to leave - and
distributed their businesses to his friends.
The Amin was finally forced out of power after a failed
attempt to invade Tanzania.
On April 11 this year, the presidents of Uganda, Tanzania, and
Kenya led a low-key celebration marking the 23rd anniversary of
Amin's fall from power.
