Is there a real Nicholas Garrigan?

Research shows that there is No real Nicholas Garrigan. There isnt any one caucasian person that acted as Idi Amin's personal doctor during his reign, or played a role close to being his physician or health practioner. Various book club discussions indicate that Nicholas Garrigan is a fictional character created by the author to bring out the 'other' side of Idi Amin and describe his atrocities from a different view point. The Nicholas Garrigan character however is very well depicted in the book that there has been thought by a number of readers that he may have been real.== Answer ==

I lived in Uganda for several months during Idi Amin's rule, and I clearly remember there being strong rumours circulating at the time that Amin did indeed have a Dr Garrigan-type character advising him, much to the dismay and disaproval of the expatriate community. People then could not understand how any european doctor could be associated with the evil Amin. I was fascinated by the portrayal of this character in Giles Foden's book, and curious as to how much he had changed the real character in order to avoid character defamation suits!== Answer ==

I lived in Uganda for several months during Idi Amin's rule, and I clearly remember there being strong rumours circulating at the time that Amin did indeed have a Dr Garrigan-type character advising him, much to the dismay and disaproval of the expatriate community. People then could not understand how any european doctor could be associated with the evil Amin. I was fascinated by the portrayal of this character in Giles Foden's book, and curious as to how much he had changed the real character in order to avoid character defamation suits!

First answer by Carolyne. Last edit by Drpbull. Contributor trust: 4 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 7 [recommend question]