1972 Ugandan Refugees: An Honourable Place in Canada

In 1972, Ugandan dictator Idi Amin banished Asians from his country, even though many had lived there for generations. Canada opened its doors to 7 000 of the displaced. A look back at the first group of non-European refugees to call Canada home- Uganda's Ismaili Asians.

CBC Radio Posted: Nov 23, 2016 2:37 PM EST | Last Updated: November 23, 2016

Rewind54:59Ugandan Canadians

Not long after Ugandan leaderIdiAmincame to power in 1971, he said he had a dreamthat Allah had told him to expelpeople of Asian descent from the country. Many of themwereIsmailis.

The Aga Khan, spiritual leader of theNizariIsmailibranch of Islamrepresents about15 million people and advocates tolerance and pluralism. When Amin'sdecree came, the Aga Khan called then prime minister PierreTrudeau asking him to help. More than 7 000 Ugandan Asians came to Canada. It was the first time in Canadian history that Canada accepted a large group of non-European refugees.

There was a long tradition of trade between Asia andAfrica. Nevertheless, GeneralAmininsisted that "Africa was for Africans."His expulsion order affected at least 80,000 people, many whohad lived in Uganda for generations.

"I am a fourth generation African. Icouldn't be anymore African than I was when I was there, but Iwasn't accepted. We did not have the right colour. We were not black enough to be African."

---Muslim Harji, Asian immigrant to Canada

The expulsion of steady migration of Asians fromUganda had dire effects on the economy. The country lost doctors, technicians, business owners, and engineers.Railways were compromised, there were food shortages and prices skyrocketed. The economic foundations of the country started to crumble.

"Before Amin, Uganda hadsuch a greatgovernment -thebest civil service in Africa, thebesthealth care. Life was good.Aminwas known and feared before he came to power, soimagine what happenedoncehe did. Very soon things started falling apart. I'll tell you straight: at leastAsians, by and large, we escaped. The Black Ugandans who stayed paid with their lives. It was a really troubling time."

---John Nazareth, Asian Ugandan

Most Ugandans who came to Canada because of Amin's expulsion prospered. The Aga Khanmet with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last May. The Aga Khan Foundation sponsors charitable works around the world and has an office in Ottawa. The new Aga Khan Museum in Toronto promotes tolerance and understanding through art and culture.

1972 Ugandan Refugees: An Honourable Place in Canada

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