Idi Amin was a Ugandan military officer, often considered the most controversial leader in Uganda's history. He served as the third president of the country from 1971 to 1979, and was widely regarded as the "Butcher of Uganda" for his mass atrocities against the Ugandan people. Before ascending to the nation's highest office, he had a modest upbringing. Deserted by his father and raised by his mother, Amin dropped out of school at a young age. In 1946, he joined the British colonial regiment and served in Somalia and Kenya. It was through sheer determination, persistence, and physical strength that he rose through the ranks. He eventually became an "Afande" or warrant officer, the highest rank available to a Black African in the British army at the time.

In 1971, as commander of the Ugandan military forces, Amin seized power by deposing President Milton Obote in a military coup. His presidency was marked by widespread disruption and violence. He expelled Asians from the country, which further damaged an already declining economy. Amin was responsible for the 1972 Ugandan genocide, during which more than 100,000 people were killed. Corruption, nepotism, human rights abuses, and political repression reached their peak under his rule.

Uganda's international relations also suffered as Amin sought alliances with Libya, the Soviet Union, and East Germany. Interestingly, he never received military honors such as the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) or the Military Cross (MC). He did, however, confer upon himself a doctorate of law from Makerere University and declared himself "CBE" or "Conqueror of the British Empire." His full self-bestowed title became "His Excellency President for Life, Field Marshal Alhaji Dr. Idi Amin Dada, VC, DSO, MC, CBE."