Catalogue

Interview
919, LO/274/225
Leicester Oral History Archive Collection

Speaker: Mashru, Maz, 1947 - , Interviewee, Male, Photographer; Photo Journalist;
Speaker: Florance, J., Interviewer, Male

Summary of interview item: Recalls early life and schooling in Uganda. Mentions exams taken and western nature of education. Mentions family's retail business and African servants. Comments on view of Asian business. Describes in detail President Amin coming to power after coup to remove Milton Obote and the gradual change in Amin, himself. Talks about his own photographic business and work as a photo journalist on Ugandan national paper. Gives details of photographic assignments and meeting Amin. Reflects on how he saw Amin's character change due to power and disbelief felt at the 90 day Asian Expulsion order, when it was given in 1972. Describes growing repression and deterioration of situation as 90 day deadline grew close, effecting Asian and Africans alike. Comments on permission eventual granted by British Government for Asian to come to Britain. Outlines business generated in passport photographs and the bureaucracy entailed in leaving. Details his experience of leaving the country with his wife and an incident of bribing Ugandan soldiers after being reported. Sketches arrival at Stanstead Airport, Essex, taking first photograph in England and welcome by resettlement board. Outlines stay in different resettlement camps, eventual move to Leicester and obtaining work. Relates why he sold cameras rather than be a photographer until he was able to set up his own business. Comments on Asian's growing politicalisation and the integration of younger Asians.
Place of birth: Piltok, Uganda
Education:
Marital Status: Married, Children:
Father's Occupation: Retailer
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Leicester
Periods Covered: 1950s, 1960s, 1970s
Language: English

Recording Date: 21/4/1986
Playing time: 1 hr
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: EMOHA
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: yes
Cross Reference:

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Last updated: 08/05/02 East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer This document has been approved by the head of department or section.