Paulo Frobisher Muwanga Seddugge Muyanja (4 April 1924 – 1 April 1991), commonly known as Paulo Muwanga, was a Ugandan politician who briefly served as the country's '' de facto''

president President most commonly refers to: *President (corporate title) * President (education), a leader of a college or university *President (government title) President may also refer to: Arts and entertainment Film and television *'' Præsident ...

, and later as

prime minister A prime minister or chief of cabinet is the head of the cabinet and the leader of the ministers in the executive branch of government, often in a parliamentary or semi-presidential system. A prime minister is not the head of state, but r ...

Early life and career

Paulo Muwanga was born in Uganda on April 4, 1924. He began his career in the East African Posts and Telecommunications Administration, where he worked from 1943 to 1950. In 1950, Muwanga transitioned into politics. During his early years, Muwanga demonstrated a strong commitment to public service and political engagement. His experiences in the East African Posts and Telecommunications Administration provided him with valuable insight and skills that would later shape his political career. Muwanga served as a Member of Parliament from 1962 to 1964, alongside his fellow party member A.G. Mehta, before assuming diplomatic positions as Uganda's ambassador to

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(1964–1970) and

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(1970–1972). These postings acquainted him with international affairs and helped him represent Uganda's interests internationally. Following a period of exile in

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from 1972 to 1978, Muwanga returned to Uganda during the

Uganda–Tanzania War The Uganda–Tanzania War, known in Tanzania as the Kagera War (Kiswahili: ''Vita vya Kagera'') and in Uganda as the 1979 Liberation War, was fought between Uganda and Tanzania from October 1978 until June 1979 and led to the overthrow of Ugand ...

(1978–1979). He actively participated in the conflict, aligning himself with forces opposing the regime of

Idi Amin Idi Amin Dada Oumee (, ; 30 May 192816 August 2003) was a Ugandan military officer and politician who served as the third president of Uganda from 1971 until Uganda–Tanzania War, his overthrow in 1979. He ruled as a Military dictatorship, ...

. In the aftermath of the war, Muwanga held several government positions. He served as

Minister of Internal Affairs An interior minister (sometimes called a minister of internal affairs or minister of home affairs) is a cabinet official position that is responsible for internal affairs, such as public security, civil registration and identification, emergency ...

under the leadership of both Yusuf Lule and Godfrey Binaisa. Despite facing challenges within the government, Muwanga's resilience and political acumen allowed him to navigate through turbulent times. On May 12, 1980, Muwanga played a pivotal role when the army overthrew President Godfrey Binaisa. He became the head of a six-man Military Commission, which acted as the ''de facto'' president of Uganda for a short period. Later, Muwanga chaired the Presidential Commission of Uganda from May 22 to December 15, 1980, assuming the powers of the president during this transitional phase. Muwanga's significance continued after the general elections held on December 10, 1980. He assumed the role of the head of the Electoral Commission and declared the

Uganda People's Congress The Uganda People's Congress (UPC; ) is a political party in Uganda. UPC was founded in 1960 by Milton Obote, who led the country to independence alongside UPC member of parliament A.G. Mehta. Obote later served two presidential terms un ...

, led by

Milton Obote Apollo Milton Obote (28 December 1925 – 10 October 2005) was a Ugandan politician who served as the second prime minister of Uganda from 1962 to 1966 and the second president of Uganda from 1966 to 1971 and later from 1980 to 1985. A Lango, ...

, as the winner. However, the election results were contested, and the dissatisfaction led to

Yoweri Museveni Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibuhaburwa (born 15 September 1944) is a Ugandan politician and Officer (armed forces), military officer who is the ninth and current president of Uganda since 1986. As of 2025, he is the third-List of current state lead ...

undertaking a guerrilla war in protest named the Museveni Bush War. Between 1980 and 1985, Muwanga served as

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and

Minister of Defense A ministry of defence or defense (see spelling differences), also known as a department of defence or defense, is the part of a government responsible for matters of defence and military forces, found in states where the government is divid ...

under then President Milton Obote. He also briefly held the position of

Prime Minister of Uganda The prime minister of Uganda chairs the Cabinet of Uganda, although the President of Uganda, president is the effective head of government. The prime minister is appointed by the president with the approval of Parliament of Uganda, Parliament. ...

from August 1 to August 25, 1985, under President

Tito Okello Tito Lutwa Okello (15 October 1914 – 3 June 1996) was a Ugandan military officer and politician who served as the eighth president of Uganda from 29 July 1985 until 26 January 1986. Background Tito Okello was born into an ethnic Acholi fami ...

before being succeeded by Abraham Waligo. In October 1986, Muwanga faced arrest and subsequent detention. He was acquitted in 1988 but detained once again from 1989 to 1990. He died on 1 April 1991, aged 66.

Personal life

He was married to Nalongo Kasalina Zawedde Muwanga. British actor Zawe Ashton is his granddaughter.

Early life and career

Personal life

References

See also