Global Connections: Oral Histories of Ugandan Asians in Britain after 1972
Using oral history we ask questions of what we can learn from the personal testimony of individuals and what unique insights this gives us.
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- Start Date: 22 May 2025End Date: 22 May 2025Thu (Evening): 19:00 - 20:30OnlineFull fee £10.00 Senior fee £10.00 Concession £7.00
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What is the course about?
This course explores the experiences of Ugandan Asians who arrived in Britain following their expulsion by Idi Amin in 1972. Using oral history testimonies, it examines themes of migration, identity, and belonging, offering unique insights into the personal and collective experiences of displacement and resettlement.
What will we cover?
As we listen to and discuss the moving testimonies of some who were only children at the time that Idi Amin expelled all Asians from Uganda, we consider what makes a place home.
From stories of great economic success, civic participation, and the very ordinary details of home life in the 1970s onwards in Britain,, this course illuminates a broad range of migrant experiences. In a world where refugees and the global migration of large numbers of people are increasing, this course poses important questions about connections across the globe.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Analyse how oral histories provide unique perspectives on historical events and migration experiences.
- Explain the impact of Idi Amin’s 1972 expulsion of Asians from Uganda and its consequences for individuals and communities.
- Discuss how themes of home, belonging, and identity emerge in personal testimonies.
- Compare the Ugandan Asian migration experience with other refugee and migration narratives.
- Reflect on how historical migration experiences relate to contemporary global migration issues.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.
However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Online class with lecture segments and discussion. There is no additional study outside the session..
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No additional costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper or a digital equivalent for notetaking.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HM36 ISection 28 and Collective Memory: LGBTQ+ Activism, Education, and Resistance
Please explore our histories, memories and heritage section for other courses.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.