Jonathan Nzogi, a 31-year-old resident of Kitezi village in Mpererwe parish, Kawempe Division, has admitted to the charge of unlawfully wearing a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) digital camouflage uniform and a red beret. Nzogi, who is self-employed, confessed before the General Court Martial (GCM) in Makindye, Kampala, on June 25, 2024.
Nzogi was arrested at the Buloba checkpoint on June 13, 2024, for wearing the UPDF uniform, which is classified as gazetted Defence stores. He was brought before the GCM where the chairman, Brig. Gen Robert Freeman Mugabe, read the charge of unlawful wearing of uniforms, which contravenes Sections 164 (1) (a) of the UPDF Act, 2005. This offense carries a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment upon conviction.
After Nzogi’s confession, Gen. Mugabe stated, “A plea of guilty is entered, and you are hereby remanded to Kitalya Government Prison until July 1, 2024, when you will be brought back for the state’s brief facts.”
The case is being prosecuted by the UPDF Director of Prosecutions, Col Raphael Mugisha, along with Captain Ambroz Guma and Lt Alex Mukhwana. Captain Simon Nsubuga Busagwa is representing Nzogi.
The prosecution alleges that Nzogi was found wearing the UPDF digital camouflage uniform and red beret at the Buloba checkpoint along Kampala-Mityana Road in Wakiso district at around 4:00 pm. These items are restricted to official military use, making their unauthorized possession and use illegal.
