5 shillings, Uganda, Idi Amin, 1977

5 shilling banknote of Uganda, printed in 1977. The obverse features Uganda's dictator Idi Amin - ruler of Uganda from 1971-79 - and the coat of arms of Uganda to the right. The reverse features a woman picking coffee beans. 

Idi Amin is known for being one of the more colorful African leaders. His self bestowed full title was "His Excellency, President for Life, Field Marshal Al Hadji Doctor Idi Amin Dada, VC, DSO, MC, CBE, Lord of All the Beasts of the Earth and Fishes of the Seas, and Conqueror of the British Empire in Africa in General and Uganda in Particular". Idi Amin started his career as a soldier in King's African Rifles during the British era, and later rose to become the commander of Uganda's army. He was a boxing champion in his younger days, and was also rumored to be a cannibal. After becoming Uganda's dictator, he expelled the ethnic Indian community - some of whom had lived in Uganda for generations and played an important role in the economy. As a small, prosperous minority, they were easy targets for populist leaders in Uganda and Kenya. Two well known 'Indians' of Ugandan descent are Kash Patel (head of FBI under Trump administration in 2026) and Priti Patel (former home secretary, UK). 

Amin became internationally famous/notorious in 1976, when Palestinian terrorists hijacked an Air France flight to Israel full of Jewish passengers - which the terrorists then diverted to Entebbe Airport in Uganda. Amin provided the hijackers assistance. Israel mounted a successful commando mission - made famous in multiple books and movies - to rescue the hostages. Idi Amin was deposed in 1979, and lived the rest of his life in Saudi Arabia. 

Size: 136 mm* 70 mm
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Notes are in uncirculated condition. Notes are part of a lot - the piece you get may not be the one in the image, but will be a piece in similar condition. Price is for one note. 

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