In a rare and candid interview, Jaffar Amin, the son of Uganda’s former dictator Idi Amin Dada, offers a personal glimpse into the man behind the infamous regime.
Speaking from his home in Kampala, Jaffar reflects on his father’s complex character, revealing a side seldom seen by the public.
“Dad was a man of paradoxes,” Jaffar begins, his tone thoughtful. “To us, he was Big Daddy—loving, protective, and deeply committed to our family. But to his enemies, he was a force to be reckoned with.”
Jaffar recounts moments of tenderness, such as his father’s involvement in his education and his efforts to instill discipline and pride.
“He taught us to value our heritage and to stand firm in our beliefs,” Jaffar recalls. “He believed in strength—both physical and moral.”
However, Jaffar does not shy away from acknowledging the darker aspects of his father’s rule. “There were decisions he made that I cannot justify,” he admits. “But understanding the man requires seeing him in his entirety—not just the headlines.”
When asked about the public perception of Idi Amin, Jaffar reflects, “People often see him as a tyrant, and perhaps he was. But to us, he was a father—a man who cared deeply for his family.”
Jaffar concludes with a poignant statement: “Just don’t face him when you’re an enemy. He was a man of great strength and conviction.”
This rare insight into the life of Idi Amin Dada offers a nuanced perspective on a figure whose legacy remains deeply divisive.
Through his son’s words, we glimpse the complexities of a man who was both a loving father and a formidable leader.
