Author: The British Embassy at Kampala

Date: Kampala, 2 July 1971.

Title: PERSONALTY NOTES

Internal reference: FCO 31 / 1072

Original language: English.

Concerning: In July, the British were preparing for a State Visit from Idi Amin. The British Embassy at Kampala prepared personality notes and briefings for Prime Minister Heath and his government back home. They comment on his tastes (salmon), good looks and size (he'll need a special bed), and on the roving eye of his chief aide. At this stage, the verdict on Amin is a positive one, as a "popular natural leader of men" though "simple and practically illiterate".

Source: Public Record Office, London

CONFIDENTIAL

PERSONALTY NOTES

AMIN DADA, GENERAL IDI, President of Uganda
         Born about 1925. Tribe: Kakwa (West Nile). Joined KAR about 1945 as a private soldier and worked way up through the ranks. One of first Ugandans to be commissioned. Army ans Air Force Commander 1967. Major-General 1968. After coup promoted himself General.
         Popular and a natural leader of men, but simple and practically illiterate; a man of the people. An imposing presence, 6'3" in height; once a good heavyweight boxer and rugby player. As Head of State, has shown an engaging lack of formality and a disregard for his personal safet[y.] Benevolent but tough. Well-disposed to Britain; perhaps to an extent damaging to him in the African context. Speaks passable English. God fearing and deeply religious. A Muslim with four wives and seven children.

WANUME KIBEDI, Minister of Foreign Affairs
         Aged 29. Amin's brother-in-law. Described at the time of the coup as President Amin's "Legal Adviser", but does not seem to have much responsibility.
         Studied law in London from 1965-1970 when he was active in radical student politics. Returned to Uganda in 1970 and employed by a firm of lawyers until the coup. Visited Britain in March 1971 to make arrangements for Kabaka's funeral.

WAKHWEYA, EMMANUEL B., Minister of Finance
         Born about 1936. Educated locally and Dehli University 1957-60; B.A. (Economics). Assistant Secretary, Treasury 1960-8. Visited China in 1966 and was impressed. January 1969 appointed Secretary to the Treasury. January 1970 appointed Minister, visited London in April 1970. Has the reputation of being pleasant and capable. Married. 5 children. Made a good impression in London.

CONFIDENTIAL

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