By Mirembe Martina

During the recently concluded NRM 27th anniversary celebrations in Nyakasaga grounds, Kasese, medals were given out to outstanding individuals in terms to service and loyalty to the country. Among the awarded were former president, Milton Obote and even President Museveni.

However, one of the most remembered presidents in Uganda, Field Marshal Idi Amin Dada was not honored which has caused a lot of criticism from many. DP President, Nobert Mao said it was not good that he was not awarded because according to him, Amin did a lot of good things which the current government cannot compare to.

Latif Ssebagala called onto the government to explain why an outstanding individual such as Amin was left out. He went on to add that if the government does not explain why, it will taken as discrimination as Amin was a Muslim.

However, chairperson of the National Awards and Medals Committee, Gen Elly Tumwine came out and explained the reason as to why Amin was not awarded was because he left behind a bad legacy. “The medal is for people who served honorably. Amin had so many cases,” Tumwine said.

All Uganda’s former Presidents were the 50th Uganda Independence Medal yesterday including a total of 3,500 Ugandans who will receive the award, which recognizes individuals for their outstanding service and loyalty to the country since independence. Presidents such as  Sir Edward Mutesa, Obote, Yusuf Lule, Godfrey Lukongwa Binaisa and Gen. Tito Okello, were awarded the Medal.

Amin was the third President of Uganda from 1971 to 1979 who rose to power in a military coup in January 1971, deposing Milton Obote.

He remembered for many things including chasing foreigners out of the country.