National Unity Platform (NUP) leaders have raised concerns over what they perceive as double standards by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) following the circulation of photos showing ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Member of Parliament, Kitgum Woman MP Lillian Aber, wearing full UPDF uniform.
The images of Ms. Aber, dressed in UPDF attire while flagging off a cleaning exercise by UPDF soldiers on February 5, sparked discussions on social media platforms about the regulations surrounding civilian wear of military uniforms.
This incident occurred amidst ongoing reports of arrests of opposition supporters accused of wearing red berets, which the UPDF has specified as attire reserved exclusively for armed forces.
In response, UPDF spokesperson Brig Gen Felix Kulayigye informed journalists that MP Aber had been summoned and subsequently apologized to the Commander of Defence Forces (CDF) for her actions. He added that she promptly removed the uniform upon apologizing, and the CDF forgave her, cautioning her against similar actions in the future. However, the officer who provided her with the uniform was arrested.
The NUP leaders criticized this response, citing what they perceive as inconsistencies in the enforcement of laws. They questioned why NUP supporters faced legal consequences for wearing attire associated with the party, while MP Aber faced no legal repercussions for wearing UPDF uniform.
In a statement, NUP Secretary General Mr. Lewis Rubongoya condemned these “double standards,” asserting that they undermine the rule of law. Similarly, NUP President Mr. Robert Kyagulanyi expressed frustration, suggesting that the persecution faced by NUP supporters for wearing party symbols contrasts sharply with the leniency shown towards MP Aber.
