The majority viewers of this video will be more than familiar with the legendry M4 Sherman Medium Tank. And its long service life throughout World War two and during the Korean War. But few will be aware of the use of the M4 Sherman by the African nation of Uganda. Between the years of 1969 until 1979. And its use by the Ugandans during the forgotten 1978-1979 Ugandan-Tanzanian War.
In 1969 Uganda then under the rule of President Milton Obote, received from Israel 12 modified M4A1 (76)w Sherman tanks. Apart of the military aid the Israeli Government was sending the then friendly African Nation. However, relations between Israel and Uganda would being to rapidly deteriorate when the infamous Ugandan Dictator General Idi Amin Dada in 1971. Resulting in any further Israeli aid to Uganda being cut off.
As for the 12 Ugandan Shermans, it remains unclear if said tanks were use in the military coup January 25th 1971. That deposed the government of President Milton Obote. Between 1971 until 1978, the Ugandan Shermans were used primarily in military parades, in Kampala.
Amin’s brutal and repressive regime against the people of Uganda. Bizarre messages to world leaders, and erratic behaviour. Made Amin a subject of morbid fasciation to the western world. Then 1974 Amin allowed a French documentary film crew, to film him. Which resulted in the documentary film General Idi Amin Dada: A Self Portrait. One of the highlights of said documentary film, sees Amin commanding a mock attack on “the Golan Heights”. While riding around on one of Uganda’s M4A1 Sherman tanks.
Then in October of 1978 Amin in desperation to prop up his hated regime; declared war on the neighbouring Tanzania. The Uganda M4 Shermans were used though out the Uganda-Tanzania War. With the last combat reports of the last surviving Ugandan M4 Shermans, being used in the defence of Kampala April 10-11th, 1979. Where the last of the operational Ugandan M4 Sherman tanks, were used in a last-ditch defence of Kampala. Against the advancing Tanzanians and Ugandan, Anti Idi Amin forces.
After the downfall of the Amin Regime. Reports of any operational Uganda M4 Shermans in the wake of the 1978-1979 war becomes hard to verify. Due to the political instability of Uganda, after the withdrawal of the victorious Tanzanian forces in 1980. However, a few largely intact wrecks of Ugandan Shermans have been spotted & documented by Western observers. Forgotten and quietly rusting away in various locations.
THE MODEL
The model by Rubicon models is a fanatic kit to make. With easy assembly for both Table Top War gamers and Scale Modellers. With some simple but well-defined details. The model was modified by myself via scratch building. To shape this WW2 Era M4A1 (76)w Sherman model into an Ex-Israeli M1 Sherman, turned Ugandan M4 Sherman.
I also made a fun diorama for the completed model. Set on a roadside on the road to Kampala. Depicting the desperate last stand of a Uganda M4 Sherman, circa April 10th to 11th, 1979. Lying in wait for the Tanzania forces.
Good Luck with all your ongoing projects & Thanks for Watching