 Uganda's 80,000 Asians were mostly from the Indian subcontinent and born in the country, their ancestors having come to Uganda in search of prosperity when India was still a British colony.Many owned businesses, including large-scale enterprises, which formed the backbone of the Ugandan economy.On 4 August 1972, Amin issued a decree ordering the expulsion of the 50,000 Asians who were British passport holders.