Idi Amin Part 1: The Butcher of Uganda

Rafael Trujillo held the Dominican Republic in his grip for 31 long years, from 1930 to 1961. He ruled with extraordinary brutality and a colossal ego. Yet riding the currents of geopolitics, he managed to hold onto power for far longer than many deemed possible. Even when dictat ...  Show more

With his enemies vanquished Octavian returns to a hero’s welcome. Consolidating personal rule over Rome’s vast dominions, he begins dismantling the old republic. The Senate declares him the most “August” of Caesars, an Emperor. But the lack of an heir, once again, will plunge Rom ...  Show more

Charming, gregarious, ready to please. These are the disarming traits of one of Africa’s most violent dictators. For eight years, Idi Amin ruled Uganda with terrifying consequences. Switching alliances became a game and the former boxing champion liked to play.  *Some scenes migh ...  Show more

General Idi Amin seized power in in Uganda in 1971. His brutal dictatorship is synonymous with the deportation of the country's 80,000-strong Asian population fifty years ago this year. As the popular story goes, Asians built the economy and the country. Then a brutish African le ...  Show more

He was supposed to be the revolutionary spark that swept through Libya, inspiring the masses to rule themselves through direct democracy. Instead, his brutal authoritarianism transformed the country into a police state and international pariah. Learn more about your ad choices. V ...  Show more

Growing up in colonial Uganda in the 1930s and ‘40s, Idi Amin chose to embrace his British colonists by joining the British Army. Climbing the ranks, he became a natural choice to lead the Ugandan Army after independence. But as Amin gained power, corruption seeped in. Learn more ...  Show more