Tanzanian Troops Begin Uganda Pull Out | Request Aid To Cover War Cost | Amin Overthrown | July 1979

Saturday, July 12th 1979.

Footage of troops of the Tanzanian People's Defence Force (TPDF) beginning their withdrawal from Uganda after a border skirmish led to a full blown war and the overthrow of Ugandan military dictator, Idi Amin.

The Tanzanian government appealed for aid from United States, Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Italy, France, West Germany, Japan and Canada.

Reuters Text from 1979:

"The return home for these men came after seven gruelling months of sometimes fierce combat against troops loyal to former President Amin. It was a war that started amid confusion with both sides claiming territorial encroachments. At one stage the former Ugandan dictator mockingly challenged Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere to a boxing match to settle their differences. Nyerere responded by driving him into exile. The troops have been hailed by Ugandan President Binaisa as "heroes of the war that liberated our motherland".

There has been concern expressed by some sections of the Ugandan community about the continued presence of troops. However the Binaisa government believes that a complete withdrawal would open the door for a counter-attack from Amin. It's expected about twenty thousand troops will remain for an indefinite period. But the cost of the war has been high. Tanzania claims it has nearly crippled her economy and has appealed to nine western countries for three hundred and seventy five million dollars. The Dar es Salaam administration argues that the war was not something of its choosing but was thrust upon the country after Amin invaded and annexed a section of Tanzania. However diplomatic sources in Uganda have indicated there is little chance the appeal will be met although there is a chance that a loan for part of the money may be negotiated by a group of western bankers."

Source: Reuters News Archive.