A Ugandan army Czech-made armored personnel carrier on parade
Courtesy Thomas Ofcansky

A Ugandan army military convoy
Courtesy Thomas Ofcansky

Despite a relatively peaceful transition to independence in 1962, Uganda became one of the least stable countries in Africa. Internal dissent overshadowed external threats, as seven governments were empowered in just over two decades of independent rule and opposition organized against each regime. The government response to its critics and opponents was often repressive: uncounted instances of officially sanctioned torture, imprisonment, and execution detracted from governmental legitimacy. The violence persisted, and abuses continued to occur in 1990.

Data as of December 1990