General Okello an Acholi and former chief of defence forces in Obote II regime was handed over power on June 27th 1985 by non other than his fellow tribes man Brig. Bazilio Okello in what was referred to as a bloodless less coup.

Although it was Brig Bazilio who has made the coup announcement, it later became known that a most senior figure in the army was behind the take over.

Like all incoming leaders, General Okello had to call for an end to tribalism an his government was to deliver. He  called on Mr. Paul Muwanga who was expected to woo the Baganda and a veteran political operator, to try and reach some form of coalition with the civilian politicians.

Efforts by General Okello to woo DP’s chief Semogerere appeared to fail as the guerilla war waged by the Museveni’s NRA continued to push towards Kampala.