Bazilio Olara-Okello

ModernGeneralUganda1929 — ?

Ugandan general who overthrew Obote in 1985.

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Quick Facts

Born

1929

Country

Uganda

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)50

Political (20%)26

Influence (20%)48

Legacy (20%)38

Leadership (15%)30

Strategy (15%)41

Total Score39.1

Bazilio Olara-Okello — Complete Timeline

1979 AD

Role in the Uganda-Tanzania WarWar

Olara-Okello fought in the Uganda-Tanzania War (1978-1979) as a commander in the Uganda National Liberation Army. He participated in the overthrow of Idi Amin, contributing to the eventual capture of Kampala by Tanzanian and Ugandan rebel forces.

WarUgandaTanzania

Impact: regional

1985 AD

Overthrow of Milton ObotePolitical Action◆ Major

Bazilio Olara-Okello led the military coup that overthrew President Milton Obote in July 1985. As a senior general in the Uganda National Liberation Army, he orchestrated the takeover, which ended Obote's second presidency and installed a military junta.

CoupUgandaOverthrow

Impact: nationaldestructive

Head of State of UgandaPolitical Action◆ Major

Following the coup, Olara-Okello briefly served as Head of State of Uganda from July to August 1985. He then handed over power to Tito Okello, who became president, while Olara-Okello remained a key military figure in the junta.

Head of StateUgandaMilitary Junta

Impact: national

1986 AD

Exile after Museveni's victoryPolitical Action

After Museveni's National Resistance Army captured Kampala in January 1986, Olara-Okello fled into exile. He lived in Sudan and later returned to Uganda, but remained politically marginalized.

ExileUgandaPolitical Marginalization

Impact: nationaltragic