At independence in 1962, Milton Obote was elected prime minister. It is he who negotiated the terms of the constitution under which Uganda became independent in October 1962. In 1963, Obote approved the election of the kabaka, Mutesa II, to the largely ceremonial role of president and head of state. In 1971, when Obote was abroad, his regime was toppled in a coup led by Idi Amin. In 1978 Amin invaded Tanzania. Julius Nyerere, the Tanzanian president, took the opportunity not only to repel Amin’s army but also to topple Amin’s government.
Below is a history of coups in Uganda chronologically detailing key events that shaped its current government.