Ugandan opposition leader sings praises of ex-dictator Idi Amin

Arua (Uganda), Feb.1 (ANI): A Ugandan opposition leader, Kizza Besigye, has praised the country's former dictator and despot Idi Amin, saying that the latter had done more for the country than long-serving president Yoweri Museveni.

Besigye, the leader of four-party coalition Inter Party Co-operation, made the remarks at an election rally in Arua, a town in Amin's West Nile birthplace, the Scotsman reports.

"Many people have been saying that Amin was not educated, but what Amin built can still be seen," he told a crowd of about 20,000 supporters.

"We have Muni National Teachers College, one of the biggest in the country. Where is Museveni's college in West Nile?"

The opposition leader said Amin had built the main airport and that Museveni let a national airline started by Amin go bankrupt.

The brief remarks, which were widely reported, overshadowed his long speech and could prove unpopular with many Ugandans when they vote on February 18.

Museveni marked his 25th year in office last week. (ANI)