Lions Led By Donkeys Podcast Episode 396 - The Kagera War: Part 2
Jan 12, 2026
A wild bar fight ignites a chaotic war, led by a madman nicknamed after a mental asylum. The discussion dives into Amin's brutal purges, shifting alliances, and corruption fueled by Soviet support. Tactical blunders abound as rebels fail spectacularly in their assault on Entebbe. The SRB wreaks terror with unforgiving tactics, and the economy collapses amid rampant smuggling. Tensions escalate at the border as the Ugandan incursion triggers regional conflict. All this madness sets the stage for further turmoil.
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Military Corruption Undermined Uganda's Army
- Amin hollowed out professional military capacity by purging trained officers and promoting loyal but untrained tribal men into senior roles.
- That politicized promotion turned the army into factionalized gangs, undermining competence and discipline.
Weapons Buying Deepened Economic Collapse
- Amin financed a weapons spree by looting and borrowing, buying obsolete kit like WWII Shermans to showcase strength.
- This diverted funds from the economy and deepened Uganda's fiscal collapse.
Expulsion Caused A Brain-Drain Crisis
- Expelling Uganda's South Asian community created a violent brain drain that destroyed commerce and administrative capacity.
- Amin's promise to redistribute wealth failed as military theft and incompetence consumed assets.