Hussein Mohammed: Difference between revisions
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Hussein Mohammed was a [[Islam|Muslim]] and either a Nubian{{sfn|Smith|1980|p=131}} or [[Kakwa people|Kakwa]].{{sfn|Rwehururu|2002|p=53}} At some point, he joined the Uganda Army, and rose in the ranks despite being illiterate, serving as corporal by 1968.{{sfn|Rwehururu|2002|p=53}} Ugandan Colonel Rwehururu speculated that Hussein was deeply involved in the preparations of the [[1971 Ugandan coup d'état]] which brought Amin to power.{{sfn|Rwehururu|2002|p=53}} He quickly rose to higher commands under the new regime, though the exact timing of his promotions is disputed. Rwehururu stated that Hussein was directly promoted to [[lieutenant colonel]] after the coup,{{sfn|Rwehururu|2002|p=53}} whereas businessman Conrad Nkuutu claimed that Hussein was colonel and served as "Garrison Commander" of the Gaddafi Barracks in [[Jinja, Uganda|Jinja]] by 1973. Journalist Faustin Mugabe described Hussein as lieutenant colonel and "Commanding Officer" in Jinja by March 1974.<ref name="mugabe">{{cite news| last = Mugabe| first = Faustin | title = When Amin's brother was locked in car boot | newspaper = Daily Monitor| date = 15 August 2015 | url = https://www.monitor.co.ug/Elections/When-Amins-brother-was-locked-in-car-boot/2787154-2832658-item-00-gal0gcz/monitor.co.ug |access-date=3 November 2019 }}</ref> In contrast, the [[BBC]] reported that Hussein was still major by 1975, and was appointed [[lieutenant colonel]] in April of that year.<ref name="broadcast">{{cite news| title = Kampala home service in English 1700 gmt 17 Apr 75 | journal = Summary of World Broadcasts: Non-Arab Africa| issue = 4866| publisher = [[BBC Monitoring]]| date = 1975| url = https://books.google.com/books?hl=de&id=LREsAQAAIAAJ&dq }}</ref> |
Hussein Mohammed was a [[Islam|Muslim]] and either a Nubian{{sfn|Smith|1980|p=131}} or [[Kakwa people|Kakwa]].{{sfn|Rwehururu|2002|p=53}} At some point, he joined the Uganda Army, and rose in the ranks despite being illiterate, serving as corporal by 1968.{{sfn|Rwehururu|2002|p=53}} Ugandan Colonel Rwehururu speculated that Hussein was deeply involved in the preparations of the [[1971 Ugandan coup d'état]] which brought Amin to power.{{sfn|Rwehururu|2002|p=53}} He quickly rose to higher commands under the new regime, though the exact timing of his promotions is disputed. Rwehururu stated that Hussein was directly promoted to [[lieutenant colonel]] after the coup,{{sfn|Rwehururu|2002|p=53}} whereas businessman Conrad Nkuutu claimed that Hussein was colonel and served as "Garrison Commander" of the Gaddafi Barracks in [[Jinja, Uganda|Jinja]] by 1973. Journalist Faustin Mugabe described Hussein as lieutenant colonel and "Commanding Officer" in Jinja by March 1974.<ref name="mugabe">{{cite news| last = Mugabe| first = Faustin | title = When Amin's brother was locked in car boot | newspaper = Daily Monitor| date = 15 August 2015 | url = https://www.monitor.co.ug/Elections/When-Amins-brother-was-locked-in-car-boot/2787154-2832658-item-00-gal0gcz/monitor.co.ug |access-date=3 November 2019 }}</ref> In contrast, the [[BBC]] reported that Hussein was still major by 1975, and was appointed [[lieutenant colonel]] in April of that year.<ref name="broadcast">{{cite news| title = Kampala home service in English 1700 gmt 17 Apr 75 | journal = Summary of World Broadcasts: Non-Arab Africa| issue = 4866| publisher = [[BBC Monitoring]]| date = 1975| url = https://books.google.com/books?hl=de&id=LREsAQAAIAAJ&dq }}</ref> |
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In any case, Hussein played an important role in quelling dissent during Amin's rule. In January 1973, Military Intelligence officers kidnapped Minister for Works Shaban Nkutu at Jinja. Nkutu's family asked Jinja's District Commissioner Mzee Hezron Kakuyo for help. Suspecting that the Gaddafi Battalion was involved in the minister's disappearance, Kakuyo contacted Hussein. The two met at Crested Crane Hotel, where Hussein angrily rebuffed Kakuyo's appeals for Nkutu's life, falsely claiming that the minister "has already been freed by the army and returned to his residence at Rippon Gardens (Jinja). Find him there and never ask me about him again!" Idi Amin's government later declared Nkutu a traitor; the minister's body was eventually found floating in the Nile.<ref name="Etukuri">{{cite news| last = Etukuri| first = Charles | title = Kakuyo the fallen hero who left an indelible legacy | newspaper = New Vision| date = 22 February 2019 | url = https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1494696/kakuyo-fallen-hero-left-indelible-legacy |access-date=3 November 2019 }}</ref> In March 1974, Amin was almost overthrown in a coup attempt. To appease the disquieted soldiery, he appointed [[Mustafa Adrisi]] Chief of Staff. Adrisi promptly vowed to "crack down on errant soldiers" who abused their power, one of whom was Amin's own brother Idi Nebbi. To teach the latter a lesson, Adrisi conspired with Hussein. The Chief of Staff kidnapped Nebbi, forced him into boot of car and had him driven to Jinja. Upon arriving there, the driver reported with the "luggage" to Hussein who sent the two back to Adrisi. Terrified by the experience, Nebbi consequently behaved better; other soldiers heard of the story, and discipline in the Uganda Army improved.<ref name="mugabe"/> |
In any case, Hussein played an important role in quelling dissent during Amin's rule. In January 1973, Military Intelligence officers kidnapped Minister for Works Shaban Nkutu at Jinja. Nkutu's family asked Jinja's District Commissioner Mzee Hezron Kakuyo for help. Suspecting that the Gaddafi Battalion was involved in the minister's disappearance, Kakuyo contacted Hussein. The two met at Crested Crane Hotel, where Hussein angrily rebuffed Kakuyo's appeals for Nkutu's life, falsely claiming that the minister "has already been freed by the army and returned to his residence at Rippon Gardens (Jinja). Find him there and never ask me about him again!" Idi Amin's government later declared Nkutu a traitor; the minister's body was eventually found floating in the Nile.<ref name="Etukuri">{{cite news| last = Etukuri| first = Charles | title = Kakuyo the fallen hero who left an indelible legacy | newspaper = New Vision| date = 22 February 2019 | url = https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1494696/kakuyo-fallen-hero-left-indelible-legacy |access-date=3 November 2019 }}</ref> In March 1974, Amin was almost overthrown in a coup attempt. To appease the disquieted soldiery, he appointed [[Mustafa Adrisi]] Chief of Staff. Adrisi promptly vowed to "crack down on errant soldiers" who abused their power, one of whom was Amin's own brother Idi Nebbi. To teach the latter a lesson, Adrisi conspired with Hussein. The Chief of Staff kidnapped Nebbi, forced him into the boot of a car and had him driven to Jinja. Upon arriving there, the driver reported with the "luggage" to Hussein who sent the two back to Adrisi. Terrified by the experience, Nebbi consequently behaved better; other soldiers heard of the story, and discipline in the Uganda Army improved.<ref name="mugabe"/> |
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In April 1975, Hussein was promoted to head of the entire Gaddafi Battalion by President Amin during a meeting at [[Nakasero]] officers' mess, succeeding [[Isaac Maliyamungu]].<ref name="broadcast"/> When the [[Uganda–Tanzania War]] broke out, the Gaddafi Battalion helped to secure eastern Uganda. Rebels crossed the border and [[Battle of Tororo|attacked]] the town of [[Tororo]] on 2–4 March 1979. The Gaddafi Battalion helped to repulse the raid.<ref>{{cite news| agency = [[Associated Press]]| title = Mutiny reported among Amin's troops| newspaper = The News-Herald (Franklin, Pennsylvania)| date = 2 March 1979| url = https://newspaperarchive.com/franklin-news-herald-mar-02-1979-p-1/ |access-date=22 December 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| last = Honey| first = Martha| title = Rebel Ugandan Troops Claim Capture of Key Town on Rail Line, Highway| newspaper = The Washington Post| date = 3 March 1979| url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1979/03/03/rebel-ugandan-troops-claim-capture-of-key-town-on-rail-line-highway/0088d554-1360-448e-b91d-fb9887a6eb21/ |access-date=22 December 2018 }}</ref> Regardless, the war turned against Uganda, and the country's military began to collapse. By April 1979, the Gaddafi Battalion was disintegrating.{{sfn|Matatu|1979|p=12}} With his troops no longer following orders, Hussein deserted his post and fled to [[Kenya]],{{sfn|Matatu|1979|p=12}} surrendering at the border crossing of Malaba. The Kenyan government granted him asylum,<ref name="cr">{{cite news| last = C. R.| first = Jonathan | title = As Some Ugandans End Exile, Others Begin Their Exodus | newspaper = The Washington Post| date = 14 April 1979| url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1979/04/14/as-some-ugandans-end-exile-others-begin-their-exodus/45db6bc4-5e2e-4f83-9e0c-fce51e6937fc/ |access-date=3 November 2019 }}</ref> and he consequently relocated to [[Nairobi]].{{sfn|Matatu|1979|p=12}} According to journalist Jonathan C.R., Hussein's defection was "the final proof that Amin was abandoned by all but the diehards".<ref name="cr"/> |
In April 1975, Hussein was promoted to head of the entire Gaddafi Battalion by President Amin during a meeting at [[Nakasero]] officers' mess, succeeding [[Isaac Maliyamungu]].<ref name="broadcast"/> When the [[Uganda–Tanzania War]] broke out, the Gaddafi Battalion helped to secure eastern Uganda. Rebels crossed the border and [[Battle of Tororo|attacked]] the town of [[Tororo]] on 2–4 March 1979. The Gaddafi Battalion helped to repulse the raid.<ref>{{cite news| agency = [[Associated Press]]| title = Mutiny reported among Amin's troops| newspaper = The News-Herald (Franklin, Pennsylvania)| date = 2 March 1979| url = https://newspaperarchive.com/franklin-news-herald-mar-02-1979-p-1/ |access-date=22 December 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| last = Honey| first = Martha| title = Rebel Ugandan Troops Claim Capture of Key Town on Rail Line, Highway| newspaper = The Washington Post| date = 3 March 1979| url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1979/03/03/rebel-ugandan-troops-claim-capture-of-key-town-on-rail-line-highway/0088d554-1360-448e-b91d-fb9887a6eb21/ |access-date=22 December 2018 }}</ref> Regardless, the war turned against Uganda, and the country's military began to collapse. By April 1979, the Gaddafi Battalion was disintegrating.{{sfn|Matatu|1979|p=12}} With his troops no longer following orders, Hussein deserted his post and fled to [[Kenya]],{{sfn|Matatu|1979|p=12}} surrendering at the border crossing of Malaba. The Kenyan government granted him asylum,<ref name="cr">{{cite news| last = C. R.| first = Jonathan | title = As Some Ugandans End Exile, Others Begin Their Exodus | newspaper = The Washington Post| date = 14 April 1979| url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1979/04/14/as-some-ugandans-end-exile-others-begin-their-exodus/45db6bc4-5e2e-4f83-9e0c-fce51e6937fc/ |access-date=3 November 2019 }}</ref> and he consequently relocated to [[Nairobi]].{{sfn|Matatu|1979|p=12}} According to journalist Jonathan C.R., Hussein's defection was "the final proof that Amin was abandoned by all but the diehards".<ref name="cr"/> |
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Revision as of 08:54, 4 November 2019
Hussein Mohammed | |
|---|---|
| Allegiance |  Uganda |
| Service | Uganda Army |
| Years of service | ?–1979 |
| Commands | Eagle Colonel Gaddafi Battalion |
| Battles / wars | |
Hussein Mohammed[a] was a Ugandan military officer who served as commander of the Uganda Army's Eagle Colonel Gaddafi Battalion, stationed in Jinja, during the rule of Idi Amin.
Biography
Hussein Mohammed was a Muslim and either a Nubian[2] or Kakwa.[3] At some point, he joined the Uganda Army, and rose in the ranks despite being illiterate, serving as corporal by 1968.[3] Ugandan Colonel Rwehururu speculated that Hussein was deeply involved in the preparations of the 1971 Ugandan coup d'état which brought Amin to power.[3] He quickly rose to higher commands under the new regime, though the exact timing of his promotions is disputed. Rwehururu stated that Hussein was directly promoted to lieutenant colonel after the coup,[3] whereas businessman Conrad Nkuutu claimed that Hussein was colonel and served as "Garrison Commander" of the Gaddafi Barracks in Jinja by 1973. Journalist Faustin Mugabe described Hussein as lieutenant colonel and "Commanding Officer" in Jinja by March 1974.[4] In contrast, the BBC reported that Hussein was still major by 1975, and was appointed lieutenant colonel in April of that year.[5]
In any case, Hussein played an important role in quelling dissent during Amin's rule. In January 1973, Military Intelligence officers kidnapped Minister for Works Shaban Nkutu at Jinja. Nkutu's family asked Jinja's District Commissioner Mzee Hezron Kakuyo for help. Suspecting that the Gaddafi Battalion was involved in the minister's disappearance, Kakuyo contacted Hussein. The two met at Crested Crane Hotel, where Hussein angrily rebuffed Kakuyo's appeals for Nkutu's life, falsely claiming that the minister "has already been freed by the army and returned to his residence at Rippon Gardens (Jinja). Find him there and never ask me about him again!" Idi Amin's government later declared Nkutu a traitor; the minister's body was eventually found floating in the Nile.[6] In March 1974, Amin was almost overthrown in a coup attempt. To appease the disquieted soldiery, he appointed Mustafa Adrisi Chief of Staff. Adrisi promptly vowed to "crack down on errant soldiers" who abused their power, one of whom was Amin's own brother Idi Nebbi. To teach the latter a lesson, Adrisi conspired with Hussein. The Chief of Staff kidnapped Nebbi, forced him into the boot of a car and had him driven to Jinja. Upon arriving there, the driver reported with the "luggage" to Hussein who sent the two back to Adrisi. Terrified by the experience, Nebbi consequently behaved better; other soldiers heard of the story, and discipline in the Uganda Army improved.[4]
In April 1975, Hussein was promoted to head of the entire Gaddafi Battalion by President Amin during a meeting at Nakasero officers' mess, succeeding Isaac Maliyamungu.[5] When the Uganda–Tanzania War broke out, the Gaddafi Battalion helped to secure eastern Uganda. Rebels crossed the border and attacked the town of Tororo on 2–4 March 1979. The Gaddafi Battalion helped to repulse the raid.[7][8] Regardless, the war turned against Uganda, and the country's military began to collapse. By April 1979, the Gaddafi Battalion was disintegrating.[1] With his troops no longer following orders, Hussein deserted his post and fled to Kenya,[1] surrendering at the border crossing of Malaba. The Kenyan government granted him asylum,[9] and he consequently relocated to Nairobi.[1] According to journalist Jonathan C.R., Hussein's defection was "the final proof that Amin was abandoned by all but the diehards".[9]
Notes
References
Citations
- ^ a b c d Matatu 1979, p. 12.
- ^ Smith 1980, p. 131.
- ^ a b c d Rwehururu 2002, p. 53.
- ^ a b Mugabe, Faustin (15 August 2015). "When Amin's brother was locked in car boot". Daily Monitor. Retrieved 3 November 2019.
- ^ a b "Kampala home service in English 1700 gmt 17 Apr 75". Summary of World Broadcasts: Non-Arab Africa. No. 4866. BBC Monitoring. 1975.
- ^ Etukuri, Charles (22 February 2019). "Kakuyo the fallen hero who left an indelible legacy". New Vision. Retrieved 3 November 2019.
- ^ "Mutiny reported among Amin's troops". The News-Herald (Franklin, Pennsylvania). Associated Press. 2 March 1979. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
- ^ Honey, Martha (3 March 1979). "Rebel Ugandan Troops Claim Capture of Key Town on Rail Line, Highway". The Washington Post. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
- ^ a b C. R., Jonathan (14 April 1979). "As Some Ugandans End Exile, Others Begin Their Exodus". The Washington Post. Retrieved 3 November 2019.
Works cited
- Matatu, Gordon (May 1979). "The End of Uganda's Nightmare". Africa. No. 93. pp. 10–16.
{{cite magazine}}: Invalid|ref=harv(help) - Rwehururu, Bernard (2002). Cross to the Gun. Kampala: Monitor. OCLC 50243051.
{{cite book}}: Invalid|ref=harv(help) - Smith, George Ivan (1980). Ghosts of Kampala. London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson. ISBN 978-0060140274.
{{cite book}}: Invalid|ref=harv(help)