text: Uganda became an independent nation in 1962, with Edward Mutesa II, the kabaka (king) of Buganda as the ceremonial president, and Milton Obote as executive Prime Minister. By 1966, Obote had overthrown the constitution and declared himself president, ushering in an era of coups and counter-coups which would last until the mid-1980s. 1971 saw Idi Amin take power, ruling the country with the military for the coming decade