Ugandan Indian Expulsion Stories #19: GOVINDBHAI’S STORY
“I became Ugandan, and then I became stateless, and then I became British Citizen again” Born in India, Govindbhai moved to Kampala at the age of 11, where he attended…
50 Ugandan Asian StOries
AFFCAD UK are celebrating 50 years since the exodus of Ugandan Asians from Uganda, by sharing 50 stories of those involved.
the Ugandan Asians Exodus
In early August 1972, the president of Uganda, Idi Amin, ordered the expulsion of his country’s Asian minority, and gave them just 90 days to leave. At the time of the expulsion, there were about 50,000 individuals of Indian descent living in Uganda.
Of these, many thousands were officially recognised as citizens of Uganda. But regardless, all were forced to leave behind their homes and livelihoods.
The majority of those who were expelled emigrated to the UK, while others went to Canada, India, Kenya, or Pakistan. Meanwhile, over 5,000 of their businesses, farms and estates were reallocated, along with their homes, cars and most of their household goods.
Our Project: 50 Ugandan Asian Stories
Despite their hardships following the exodus, many of the Ugandan Asians expelled from their home have gone on to lead fulfilling lives around the world: starting families; building businesses; and engaging in community work.
To celebrate the 50 year anniversary of the exodus, and the spirit of Ugandan Asians, AFFCAD UK are sharing 50 Ugandan Asian stories of the unique memories and inspiring journeys of those who were involved. We will be posting their original stories via our blog. Some of our volunteers were involved in the exodus and have contributed their stories, so please look out for them.
If you have story to tell regarding the exodus, we strongly encourage you to share your experiences with us. You could even provide us with the stories of your family members, on their behalf; or send this page to anyone you know who might be interested.
Stories By Our Ugandan Asian Contributors
50 UGANDAN ASIAN REFUGEES STORIES #18: MUNJUBEN’S STORY
“All those dreams and all that work we had done, we just left everything” Born in 1933, Munjuben was 40 when she and her family left Uganda in October 1972.…
50 Ugandan Asian Refugees Stories #17: Surjit’s Story
Home Is Where The Heart Lies. Until he turned eight, Surjit lived a pleasant life in Jinja, Uganda, playing outside and eating local foods with his siblings and friends. It…
50 Ugandan Asian Refugees Stories #16: Shilpa’s Story
The Birthday Gift. Shilpa loved sports as a young girl living in Jinja, Uganda. For her tenth birthday, her father gave her the opportunity to visit London with her friend’s…
50 Ugandan Asian Refugees Stories #15: Pyar’s Story
Community Is The Key. Pyar, like his father before him, lived in the modest settlement of Kaberamaido, Uganda. There he ran a shop with his father and started a family…
50 Ugandan Asian Refugees Stories #14: Akbar’s Story
Keep Calm & Carry On. Until the age of twelve years, Akbar was living life to the fullest in Kampala, Uganda, both in school and during his free time. His…
50 Ugandan Asian Refugees Stories #13: Firoza’s Story
There’s No Place Like Home. Firoza enjoyed her early life in a small village in Uganda, where her spare time was predominated by nature, picnicking by lakes and climbing fruit…
50 Ugandan Asian Refugees Stories #12: Jitu’s Story
Coming Full Circle. Jitu was a hard worker for many organisations across Uganda. He not only enjoyed his working life but also made the most of Uganda’s weather, food and…
50 Ugandan Asian Expulsion Anniversary Stories #11: Narendra’s Story
The Struggles & Successes Of A Salesman. Until the age of thirty-two, Narendra lived in Mbale, Uganda, where he acquired his parents’ keen senses for commerce. He had an enjoyable…
50 Ugandan Asian Expulsion Anniversary Stories #10: Maharani’s Story
The Courage To Fight Back. Maharani was too young to remember much of her life in Uganda. At just three years of age, she was expelled from the country with…
50 Ugandan Asian Expulsion Anniversary Stories #9: Rupal’s Story
A Walk Down Memory Lane. Rupal was happily enjoying a varied and outdoors-oriented childhood in Uganda. She lived in Jinja, in a flat above her family’s business, but went on…
50 Ugandan Asian Expulsion Anniversary Stories #8: Yogesh’s Story
A Diversity Of Experiences Through Work & Play. While living in Jinja as a twelve-year-old boy, Yogesh—the youngest of over ten siblings—had plenty of company with whom he could enjoy…
50 Ugandan Asian Expulsion Anniversary Stories #7: Mukund’s Story
Through Trials & Tribulations, Perseverance Prevails. Until the age of seventeen, Mukund was growing up in Jinja, Uganda, making friends and taking in the country’s outdoor delights. But in 1972,…
50 Ugandan Asian exodus Stories #6: Hansa’s Story
Life Lessons Around The World. Hansa’s life in Jinja, Uganda, was active and family-focused. She enjoyed going out for family walks in the local park, festivals at the temple, and…
50 Ugandan Asian exodus Stories #5: Viresh’s Story
A World Of Wonderful Memories. Welcome to the fifth of our 50 Ugandan Asian Exodus Stories. This story is by Viresh, whose family, like so many others, was impacted by the…
50 Ugandan Asian EXODUS Stories #4: Anonymous Story
Peace & Prosperity, In Uganda & Beyond. Welcome to the fourth of our 50 Ugandan Asian Exodus Stories. This story is by an anonymous contributor who, like so many others, had…
50 Ugandan Asian EXODUS Stories #3: Ramzu’s Story
Driving Through Adversity. Welcome to the third of our 50 Ugandan Asian Exodus Stories. This story is by Ramzu who, like so many others, had to flee Uganda alongside his family.…
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