Opolot was supportive of Mutesa II of Buganda who served as Ugandan President at the time.

In January and February 1966, Opolot ordered troop movements in support of Mutesa during the Mengo Crisis that pitted the President against Prime Minister Milton Obote.

The commander's orders proved abortive as the army was mostly loyal to his deputy Idi Amin, an ally of Obote.

[5] On 23 February 1966, Obote made Opolot Chief of Defence Staff, effectively removing him from control of the army.

Opolot died on 6 March 2005 at the age of 86 after a long battle with prostate cancer[2] in Mbale District.