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, marking the start of his political journey.^[2]

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 insights and skills that would later shape his political career.^[3]

Muwanga served as a Member of Parliament from 1962 to 1964 before assuming diplomatic positions as Uganda's ambassador to Egypt (1964–1970) and France (1970–1972). These diplomatic postings allowed him to engage with international affairs and represent Uganda's interests on a global stage.^[4]

Following a period of exile in England from 1972 to 1978, Muwanga returned to Uganda during the Uganda–Tanzania War (1978–1979). He actively participated in the conflict, aligning himself with forces opposing the regime of Idi Amin.^[5]

In the aftermath of the war, Muwanga held several government positions. He served as Minister of Internal Affairs 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.^[6]

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.^[7][8]

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, led by Milton Obote, as the winner. However, the election results were contested, and the dissatisfaction led to Yoweri Museveni undertaking a guerrilla war in protest named the Museveni Bush War.^[9][10]

Between 1980 and 1985, Muwanga served as Vice President and Minister of Defense under then President Milton Obote. He also briefly held the position of Prime Minister of Uganda from August 1 to August 25, 1985, under President Tito Okello 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.^[11] He died on 1 April, 1991, aged 66.^[2]

He was married to Nalongo Kasalina Zawedde Muwanga.^[12][13][14]

British actress Zawe Ashton is his granddaughter.^[15]

• Uganda since 1979, part of the History of Uganda series.
• President of Uganda
• Politics of Uganda
• Political parties of Uganda