Sarah Kyolaba, known as “Suicide Sarah,” was the last wife of Uganda’s infamous former dictator, Idi Amin. She was a go-go dancer when they first met in 1975, and their relationship led to marriage in a grand ceremony.
The wedding, which took place in 1975, was lavish and featured prominent figures, including Yasser Arafat as the best man. It reportedly cost over £2 million, reflecting Amin’s power and wealth at the time.
Despite the extravagant ceremony, Kyolaba later described Amin as a “wonderful father” and a “true African hero,” showing a different side of the brutal dictator.
Together, they had three children. However, their marriage was troubled, especially after Amin was forced into exile in 1979 when his regime collapsed.
In 1982, Kyolaba left him and moved to England, where she lived a quiet life running a hair salon and a restaurant. She had left behind the turmoil of Amin’s rule to lead a more modest life in the UK.
Idi Amin, who ruled Uganda with violence and fear, is said to have fathered at least 43 children with different women.
One of his children, Jaffar Amin, has taken on the role of speaking on behalf of the family. Jaffar has openly expressed his wish to reconcile his father’s controversial legacy, even seeking to engage with the families of those who suffered under Amin’s regime.
The legacy of Idi Amin continues to weigh heavily on his children, with many of them working to separate their identities from the darkness of his rule.
Despite the shame associated with their father’s actions, they strive to find their own paths in life, attempting to redefine their future while carrying the burden of his infamous past.