The National Unity Platform (NUP) leadership has received a request from the police to stop their members from wearing military insignia. This meeting between the police and NUP leaders took place on Monday, May 27, 2024, at Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala. The police emphasized that this behavior goes against the law.
During the meeting, which was attended by NUP leaders such as Joel Ssenyonyi and Lewis Rubongoya, the police stated that individuals found wearing military symbols would face individual consequences.
Deputy Police spokesperson Claire Nabakka revealed that the meeting was in response to a letter from NUP dated May 23, 2024. The letter addressed concerns about the mistreatment of NUP members by both the police and military on May 22, 2024. It also raised issues about the illegal obstruction of NUP activities.
Several agreements were reached during the meeting between the police and NUP leadership:
- NUP must officially notify the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in advance of all their events, allowing sufficient time for a response from the police management.
- The District Security Committee will assess security arrangements for NUP events, including the venue and route, in collaboration with NUP’s liaison officer.
- NUP’s liaison officer will coordinate with the police regarding event preparations and security concerns.
- An investigation into confiscated NUP items will be conducted by the Director of Operations, with subsequent communication.
The liaison officer will be responsible for following up on NUP members arrested for violating the law.
Despite attempts to reach Lewis Rubongoya for comment, there was no response. However, NUP President Kyagulanyi Sentamu announced adjustments to the party’s rally schedule in Mukono, Masaka, and Mityana districts. He expressed disappointment over the police’s refusal to allow NUP the use of certain venues.
The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs had previously warned civilians against wearing military insignia in September of the previous year. This warning was issued due to concerns about civilians wearing attire reserved for security forces, such as berets and lanyards. Section 160 of the Uganda People’s Defence Act 2005 prohibits civilians from possessing or wearing military attire. Violators could face legal consequences, as stated by the Ministry.
