The Exiled: Empire, Immigration and the Ugandan Asian Exodus

In 1972, President Idi Amin expelled 50,000 Ugandan Asians, forcing them to leave their country. More than 28,000 expellees from Britain's former colony arrived in the UK and began building new lives. The Exiled is a powerful and moving account of this time, challenging politically expedient narratives to uncover the true fate of minorities at the end of empire.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2023
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

In August 1972, President Idi Amin made a shocking proclamation that shook the nation of Uganda. He announced the expulsion of the country's South Asian population, giving them ninety days to leave their homes. This decision resulted in the displacement of approximately 50,000 Ugandan Asians, who sought refuge in various countries, including Canada, India, and the United Kingdom.

More than 28,000 expellees from Britain's former colony arrived in the UK, starting new lives amidst the unfamiliar terrain. However, their incredible stories have remained largely hidden until now. Fifty years after the exodus, The Exiled delves into the lives of these individuals through first-hand interviews and testimonies, including those from the author's family.

This powerful work of reportage sheds light on a time of painful alienation and remarkable courage. As an entire people ventured into the unknown, a global diaspora was born, and the fate of the United Kingdom was forever altered.

The Exiled traverses continents and decades, providing a comprehensive account of an often overlooked chapter in post-colonial history. It challenges politically expedient narratives and seeks to uncover the true fate of minorities at the end of empire. By weaving together tenderly reported personal stories with the grand sweep of imperial history, this book offers a compelling and impressive portrayal of a time and population that deserve greater recognition.

The expulsion of the South Asian population from Uganda in 1972 marked a significant moment in the country's history, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of those affected. The journey of the expellees, from their departure from Uganda to their settlement in various countries, is a testament to their resilience and determination.

The Exiled offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of these individuals and their families, shedding light on the challenges they faced during their exile. It explores the experiences of discrimination, prejudice, and marginalization that they encountered in their new homes, as well as the struggles they faced to adapt to a foreign culture and establish themselves.

The book also highlights the contributions of the Ugandan Asian community to their new countries. Many expellees became successful professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, contributing to the development and prosperity of their adopted nations. Their stories serve as an inspiration to others, demonstrating that adversity can be a catalyst for growth and achievement.

The Exiled is a valuable addition to the literature on post-colonial history and identity. It provides a fresh perspective on a time and population that have been overlooked and underrepresented. By shedding light on the experiences of the Ugandan Asians, the book contributes to a broader understanding of the complexities of colonialism and its aftermath.

In conclusion, The Exiled is a powerful and compelling work of reportage that sheds light on a time and population often overlooked in the history of Uganda. Through first-hand interviews and testimonies, the book offers a poignant portrayal of the lives of the expellees and their families. It challenges politically expedient narratives and seeks to uncover the true fate of minorities at the end of empire. The book's contribution to the literature on post-colonial history and identity is significant, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering and honoring the experiences of those who have been marginalized and displaced.

Weight: 542g
Dimension: 146 x 223 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399711173