50th Anniversary of the Expulsion of the South Asian Community in Uganda

Fifty years ago, Canada welcomed the resettlement of over 7,000 Ugandan Asian refugees

Photo: © Department of National Defence. Library and Archives Canada, e011052346

On August 4th, 1972, Ugandan President Idi Amin ordered the expulsion of all South Asians from Uganda, with only 90 days to leave the country.

Just one year prior, Amin had seized power through a military coup, overthrowing the elected government of Milton Obote and declaring himself as President. His rule was marked by eight years of brutality.

Amin’s announcement is estimated to have impacted between 55,000 and 80,000 Ugandan Asians. As the situation grew dire, UNHCR appealed to the international community for assistance in the form of permanent resettlement and funds to transport and assist those in transit.

The response was positive. In less than two weeks, the first group of some 3,600 Ugandan Asians were flown to transit accommodation in Austria, Belgium, Italy, Malta and Spain. In the end, over 7,000 people were resettled to Canada.

Canada’s timeline

With special thanks to the Archives and Special Collections, Carleton University Library, explore the timeline mapping Canada’s response to the expulsion, including reactions from Canadians and how they welcomed Ugandan Asians into their communities.

Hear their stories

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the expulsion decree and their arrival in Canada, UNHCR has put together a collection of stories across generations from families who fled Uganda and those who supported Canada’s involvement.

These are their stories of courage, resilience and contributions to their newfound home.

‘It was a lucky day for Canada. And a lucky day for us’: Forced to flee Uganda, Saujanis found refuge in Canada

No sound was more welcomed for Rai and Shanta Saujani than the low hum of the aircraft’s engine. As their flight took off from the runway in Entebbe, Uganda, so did the burden that weighed heavy on their shoulders.

‘Gifts from Amin’ that keep on giving: Q&A with author Shezan Muhammedi

On the 50th anniversary of the first charter flight bringing 148 Ugandan Asian refugees to Canada, Shezan Muhammedi publishes a stunning testimony of the South Asian expulsion in Uganda.

‘This is not our home anymore’: The inter-generational impacts of grief, loss and the courage to move forward

Shairoze Walji, a staff member at UNHCR Canada, shares her reflections on her family’s flight from Uganda.

New stories coming soon…

‘It was a lucky day for Canada. And a lucky day for us’: Forced to flee Uganda, Saujanis found refuge in Canada

No sound was more welcomed for Rai and Shanta Saujani than the low hum of the aircraft’s engine. As their flight took off from the runway in Entebbe, Uganda, so did the burden that weighed heavy on their shoulders.

‘Gifts from Amin’ that keep on giving: Q&A with author Shezan Muhammedi

On the 50th anniversary of the first charter flight bringing 148 Ugandan Asian refugees to Canada, Shezan Muhammedi publishes a stunning testimony of the South Asian expulsion in Uganda.

‘This is not our home anymore’: The inter-generational impacts of grief, loss and the courage to move forward

Shairoze Walji, a staff member at UNHCR Canada, shares her reflections on her family’s flight from Uganda.

New stories coming soon…

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