Ugandan statesman, Prime Minister (1962–66), President (1966–71 and 1980–85). After founding the Uganda People’s Congress in 1960, he became the first Prime Minister of independent Uganda. Overthrown by Idi Amin in 1971, he returned from exile nine years later and was re-elected President. Obote established a multiparty democracy, but was removed in a second military coup in 1985.