On Monday, May 6, 2024, the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) issued a stern warning to residents of the Acholi and West Nile sub-regions against wearing military clothing with military insignia, emphasizing that such attire is exclusively for the army.
Captain Kato Ahmad Hassan, the public information officer of the UPDF 4th Infantry Division, stated that failure to comply with the directive would result in penalties.
Captain Kato expressed concern over the increasing number of civilians and private security companies in Acholi and West Nile dressed in military-style clothing bearing UPDF markings. These items include warm suits, jackets, ranger boots, berets, capes, pouches, weapon slings, belts, and backpacks.
He cited the UPDF Act of 2005, Section 160 Part 2, which explicitly prohibits non-members of the security forces from using such military attire.
Furthermore, Captain Kato referenced a notice issued in the Uganda Gazette under General notice No 1013 of 2019, dated 18th September 2019, which describes and prohibits members of the public from wearing military materials or decorations, or anything closely resembling them.
The UPDF urged individuals, in various capacities, to cease wearing the listed military items and to surrender them to the Uganda Police Force or the UPDF for appropriate action.
Failure to comply with these warnings, Captain Kato cautioned, would lead to legal consequences for the violators. The UPDF reaffirmed its dedication to upholding law and order within the community.
In a related statement issued in September 2023, Defence Information Officer Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye also warned locals against wearing UPDF attire, including berets, lanyards, and clothing.
The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs reiterated that civilians are prohibited from receiving, selling, possessing, or delivering military attire under Section 160 of the Uganda People’s Defence Act 2005.
The Ministry emphasized that individuals who are not part of the security forces and refuse to comply with the directive will face legal action.
