FRONASA, along with other militant groups such as Kikosi Maalum (led by Milton Obote), formed the Uganda National Liberation Front (UNLF) and its military wing the Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA) in 1979 to fight alongside Tanzanian forces against Idi Amin.

[5] Strongly opposed to Amin's regime, Museveni and his small group of comrades decided to team up with Obote's faction despite their previous disagreements.

[7] In early 1973, Museveni officially announced the formation of the "Front for National Salvation" and published a manifesto targeting Amin, titled "An Indictment of a Primitive Fascist".

[3] In late 1978, the Uganda–Tanzania War broke out and the armed Ugandan opposition movements rallied to fight alongside the Tanzanians against Amin's regime.

[10] Following the Fall of Kampala and overthrow of Amin's regime in April 1979,[11] Museveni became Minister of Defence in the new Tanzania-backed UNLF government of Uganda.

[12] Meanwhile, FRONASA continued to aid the Tanzanians to securing the rest of western Uganda, helping the TPDF to conquer Fort Royal, Masindi, and the West Nile region.

Museveni's followers regarded the Muslims as partisans of Amin who had played an important part in defeating FRONASA's earlier insurgencies.

[15] In addition, FRONASA began to clash with its nominal ally, namely Milton Obote's private army Kikosi Maalum.

[18] After the UNLF assumed full control of the country, Milton Obote gradually outmaneuvered Museveni and his followers.

[6] The ex-FRONASA cadres brought much-needed political and military experience with them, and allowed the PRA/NRA to develop a broad supporter base.