By the Uganda–Tanzania War of 1978–1979, he had been promoted to Brigadier. In January 1979, he was featured in Ugandan radio propaganda: In his capacity as Minister for Provincial Administration, he had reportedly met Buganda elders during an official meeting with Amin, telling them how much the President respected them. In addition, Fadhul falsely claimed that the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation had not insulted foreign heads of state as Radio Tanzania had done, showcasing that Uganda was more dignified than its enemy. After the Tanzania People's Defence Force and allied rebel forces defeated the Uganda Army in a series of battles, President Amin dismissed Chief of Staff Gowon in March 1979. Fadhul was appointed as his successor. In addition, he became part of a four‐member war planning committee that oversaw the Ugandan preparations for the defense of Kampala. Amin's regime completely collapsed and Kampala was captured by Tanzanian-led forces in April 1979. A new Ugandan government was consequently installed. The new government subsequently froze the financial assets of over 1,000 Ugandan Nubians, including Fadhul's, before seizing the money and placing it in government accounts. Fadhul's home was plundered during the war. According to Thomas Lowman, Fadhul was arrested in Bombo. According to the Uganda National Liberation Front, journalist Godwin Matatu, and Indian diplomat Madanjeet Singh, he joined other regime officials in fleeing to Kenya.