Kyadondo East lawmaker and Presidential hopeful, Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine will have to find another symbol for his people power movement after government outlawed his famed Red Beret.
According to local reports, a gazette signed by Adolf Mwesige, Uganda’s Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, the red beret is part of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces’ marks, accessories, insignia, decoration and uniform as provided for under section 160 of the UPDF Act 2005.
Section 119 (1) of the UPDF Act 2005 stipulates that every person, not otherwise subject to military law and is found in unlawful possession of ( equipment ordinarily being the monopoly of the Defence Forces and other classified stores as prescribed, is subject to military law and can be tried in military courts as appropriate.
The offence carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment when convicted.
Bobi Wine who announced recently that he will be contesting for Uganda’s most coveted job, has made wearing of the red beret caps popular among his supporters.
The gazette stipulates that any person shall wear such insignia, marks or decorations in accordance with the UPDF Standing Orders issued by the Chief of Defence Forces.
It waits to be seen whether Bobi and his supporters will react to this new development.
