Amin Dada, Idi ah MEEN DAH dah, EE dee (1925?-2003), was the ruler of Uganda from 1971 to 1979. Amin, an army officer, came to power after leading the army in overthrowing Uganda's civilian government. His rule ended when Ugandans who opposed his policies and troops from neighboring Tanzania overthrew his government. Amin then fled the country.