Today in history: Obote orders Idi Amin to attack the Kabaka's palace

This was after Obote had placed five members of his cabinet under arrest, namely Grace Ibingira, Emmanuel Lumu, Balaki K. Kirya, Mathias Ngobi, and George Magezi, who were all detained by men of the Special Forces.

Idi Amin Pulse

Vice President William Nadiope fled to Kenya and remained there for three weeks while President Edward Mutesa II, the Kabaka of Buganda, told Obote to remove his government off Buganda soil!

Edward Mutesa Pulse

After discussing the crisis, Obote declared that the situation necessitated military involvement. Following the meeting, Obote telephoned Col. Idi Amin and requested that he report to the lodge. Once Amin arrived, Obote instructed him to launch an attack on Mutesa's palace the following morning.

The Battle for Mengo Hill

Kabaka Mutesa, acting quickly, called for his subjects to defend him, and many responded by acts of sabotage throughout Buganda, while thousands of monarchists attempted to set up blockades to stop Amin's troops and engaged in running street battles with them.

However, the Kabaka's bodyguards were no match for Amin’s men since they were armed with hunting rifles and so the palace was surrounded, overrun and set alight. Kabaka Mutesa II himself escaped the compound during a sudden violent rainstorm in the middle of the battle.

Prime Minister Obote, after the attack on Lubiri Palace Pulse

"When Obote sent his soldiers to bring Mutesa to him ‘dead or alive’ the King was unprepared. Out numbered, with only 120 guards and facing the Uganda Army with its Lee–Enfield rifles, three carbines, six Sterling machine guns and six automatic rifles, it was a losing battle. Determined to protect the King, the [royal] guards knew the only option was for him to flee. Rain connived with the royals, as it slowed the attackers’ advancement. Jumping over bodies as they fled, Mutesa and 20 royal soldiers hauled each other over the six foot high brick walls of the palace. Unfortunately, Kabaka Mutesa landed in a precarious angle that left his back bone injured. But the King was free and that’s all that mattered,” wrote one observer.

The Aftermath

The Lubiri Palace in Mengo was almost completely destroyed, while historic artifacts and royal regalia stolen or destroyed, including the Mujaguzo drums. Kabaka Edward Mutesa II died in exile on November 21, 1969.

Milton Obote Pulse

Before that, in 1967, Obote introduced a third constitution which abolished all of Uganda's traditional kingdoms and declared himself president of Uganda.