In January 1971 , Obote was overthrown by the army while on a visit to Singapore to attend a Commonwealth conference , and Amin became President . In the two years before the coup Obote 's relations with the West had become strained . Some have suggested that Western Governments were at least aware of , and may have aided , the coup . Obote fled to Tanzania . The fall of Obote 's regime was welcomed and celebrated by many Ugandans
a Commonwealth conference
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 1971
Milton Obote