The Presidential Commission of Uganda was a transitional governing body in Uganda that operated from May 22 to December 15, 1980, following the overthrow of President Godfrey Binaisa. Chaired by Paulo Muwanga, the commission served as the de facto executive authority as the office of President of Uganda during a turbulent period in UgandaâÂÂs history, bridging the gap between BinaisaâÂÂs presidency and the general election that restored Milton Obote to power. The commission was established to stabilize the country amid political instability and to oversee the controversial 1980 election, which sparked significant unrest.
The Presidential Commission was a six-member body, with Paulo Muwanga as its chairman. Other members included key political and military figures. The commissionâÂÂs primary role was to govern Uganda during the transitional period, managing state affairs and preparing for the December 1980 general election. As head of the commission, Muwanga wielded significant influence, overseeing both executive and electoral processes. The commission operated under the Uganda National Liberation Front (UNLF), a coalition formed to unify opposition groups after AminâÂÂs fall.
It was composed as follows:
Leaders and member Interim Government of Presidential Commission of Uganda
The commissionâÂÂs most significant responsibility was overseeing the general election held on December 10, 1980. Muwanga, as head of the Electoral Commission, declared the Uganda PeopleâÂÂs Congress (UPC), led by Milton Obote, the winner, securing OboteâÂÂs return to the presidency. However, the election was marred by allegations of fraud, including ballot stuffing and voter intimidation, leading to widespread controversy. Opposition groups, particularly Yoweri MuseveniâÂÂs Uganda Patriotic Movement, rejected the results, claiming the commission manipulated the outcome to favor Obote. This dissatisfaction fueled the Ugandan Bush War, a guerrilla conflict led by Museveni that eventually toppled OboteâÂÂs government in 1986.
The commission dissolved on December 15, 1980, when Obote assumed the presidency.