Ugandans are commemorating the downfall of the dictator Idi Amin, 23 years after the overthrow of his regime.

Earlier this year the government declared 11 April a day of national observance.

General Amin in 1975

During General Idi Amin's eight-year rule in the 1970s, torture and summary execution were widespread.

As part of Thursday's commemorations, regional leaders have flown in to take part in a symposium looking at ways of ending conflicts in other central African countries.

Mass killings

When he was in power Idi Amin was known as the "Butcher of Africa".

An estimated 400,000 people were killed by his security forces and some 70,000 Ugandans of Asian origin were expelled.

Museveni helped drive Idi Ami from power

Economically, General Idi Amin's rule was catastrophic.

He expelled Ugandan Asians who owned most of the businesses, precipitating the country into chaos.

He was ousted in 1979 by a combined force of Tanzanian troops and Ugandan guerrillas.

Amin is now living in exile in Saudi Arabia.

Talking peace

Idi Amin's overthrow is being officially celebrated for the first time in 16 years.

It was last commemorated in 1985, during the second term of president Milton Obote - whose first regime ended when Idi Amin deposed him in 1971.

A number of African leaders are joining Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni for the ceremonies.

They include Presidents Daniel arap Moi of Kenya, Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania, and Pierre Buyoya of Burundi.

During a peace syymposium, the leaders are expected to discuss ways of ending conflicts in Rwanda, Congo, and Burundi.