Bashir Lalani
Mr. Bashir Lalani and his family of eleven siblings were all displaced from Uganda following Idi Amin’s announcement. His mother was born in Masaka, Uganda, and his father came to Uganda from Gujarat at the age of 18. Their family ran two general stores within the region and enjoyed a pleasant upbringing.
He reflects fondly on his childhood in Uganda recalling a happy lifestyle with his family and his parents’ strong connection to Uganda. Bashir was studying in the UK when the expulsion decree was announced trying to complete his A levels. After the announcement he continued to study abroad until he was finally reunited with his family in Canada in 1974. Eventually, in 1978, Bashir immigrated to Canada to be with his family. He continued working in hotel management before transitioning to a career in finance.
Currently, Mr. Lalani is a certified financial planner and continues his work in investments after a fulfilling career in hotel management. His family is preparing to celebrate the impending centenary of his mother and are working on creating a family history. Mr. Lalani volunteers as a guide every Wednesday afternoon at the Aga Khan Museum alongside many other volunteer activities.
This oral history was conducted with Mr. Lalani at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto.