Idi Amin, the President of Uganda from 1971 to 1979, had several wives throughout his life. His relationships with his wives were complex and often fraught with controversy. Here’s a detailed look at each of his wives, their relationships with him, and how they died:
1. Malyamu Kamunju
Malyamu was Idi Amin’s first wife. They married in 1966. Malyamu had four children with Amin: Hussein Lumumba, Ali, Mwanga, and Ramadhan. Their relationship was tumultuous, especially after Amin came to power. In 1974, Malyamu was reportedly arrested and later exiled to a village in Tororo District. She survived Amin’s regime and eventually moved to London, where she lived until her death in 1974. Malyamu passed away from natural causes.
2. Kay Adroa
Kay Adroa was Amin’s second wife. She married him in 1966, the same year as Malyamu. Kay worked as a senior nurse at Mulago Hospital. Her relationship with Amin deteriorated after she reportedly attempted to flee Uganda. In 1974, she was found dead under mysterious circumstances. Official reports claimed she died in a car accident, but it is widely believed that she was murdered on Amin’s orders.
3. Nora
Nora was Amin’s third wife. She was initially one of his mistresses before becoming his wife in the late 1960s. Details about Nora’s life and relationship with Amin are scarce. She was relatively low-profile compared to his other wives. Nora survived Amin’s regime and lived a quiet life thereafter. Her date and cause of death are not well-documented.
4. Madalina
Madalina was Idi Amin’s fourth wife, married in 1972. Their relationship was highly publicized, especially after a lavish wedding ceremony attended by thousands. Madalina’s life with Amin was marked by luxury and public appearances. She survived Amin’s regime and, like Malyamu, eventually relocated to London, where she passed away in 1978 from natural causes.
5. Sarah Kyolaba
Sarah Kyolaba was Amin’s fifth and last known wife. A former go-go dancer and later a hairdresser, Sarah married Amin in 1975 when she was in her late teens. The marriage was marked by opulence, and Sarah was often seen by Amin’s side during official functions. After Amin’s overthrow in 1979, Sarah fled to Libya and then to Saudi Arabia, where Amin lived in exile. She later moved to London, where she operated a hair salon. Sarah Kyolaba died in 2015 from cancer.
Summary
Idi Amin’s relationships with his wives were often characterized by power dynamics, political maneuvers, and personal turbulence. The fates of his wives reflect the chaos and brutality of his regime, with some managing to escape and survive, while others met tragic ends.