On May 2, 2024, the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) issued a strong warning through their 4th Infantry Division Public Information Office. They cautioned people against wearing military outfits with UPDF imprints. These items include warm suits, jackets, ranger boots, berets, caps, pouches, backpacks, and more. The UPDF emphasized that civilians must stop wearing these items immediately.
Earlier, on April 22, 2024, the Uganda Police Force also issued a directive through the National Police Spokesperson. This directive was aimed at Private Security Organizations, Bouncers Associations, Political groups, and individuals using police uniforms and rank insignia. The police made it clear that it is illegal for civilians to use these items and they must stop immediately.
Additionally, on September 1, 2023, the UPDF, through their Defence Spokesperson, expressed concern about civilians wearing military insignia. This includes items like berets, lanyards, and other military clothing. The UPDF urged civilians to surrender these items to security authorities and to stop using them.
The Uganda Police Force has been proactive in spreading this message. Their Public Relations Officers and Community Liaison Officers have conducted television and radio talk shows to inform the public. They have urged individuals possessing items reserved for security forces to surrender them to local authorities or the nearest police station.
Following these warnings, security agencies obtained a court order and began an intelligence-led operation. This operation involves cordoning off offices, residences, shops, and other places where such items might be found. The main objectives of this operation are to cordon off areas, conduct searches, collect items reserved for security forces, prosecute those found with such items, and restore order.
Today, five suspects were arrested as part of this operation. The suspects include:
- Hon. Nyeko Derick, Member of Parliament for Makindye East
- Katuruntu Geoffrey, a Councillor
- Waswa Musoke Hassan, an 18-year-old shop attendant at Costume World Tailoring Shop and resident of Kimwanyi Zone, Wandegeya Parish, Kawempe Division, Kampala District
- Bukenya Joseph, a 32-year-old cleaner at Bobi Wine’s home in Magere and resident of Magere, Kyadondo East County, Wakiso District
- Biiso Marvin, an 18-year-old phone cover seller and resident of Namungoona, Kampala District
During the search, various items were recovered from the suspects. From Hon. Nyeko Derick, police found desert military shoes, black police shoes, and an overall resembling that of Counter Terrorism with a Ugandan flag badge. Katuruntu Geoffrey had a red beret. In Tushemera Monica’s house, the police found red berets and red National Unity Platform (NUP) attire accompanied by police ranks.
At Ronnie Gun’s shop, the police recovered:
- One live PK bullet
- Four army-lookalike trousers
- Two military-lookalike overalls
- Three army-lookalike berets
- One walkie-talkie branded Alpha Romeo
- One military poncho
- Two military-lookalike berets
- Six army-like chevrons
- Fake counterfeit dollars amounting to 23 bundles of 20 notes each
- Two toy pistols
- One stainless curved sharp metal
- Two military badges branded with the auxiliary police department
- Seven khaki shirts with star patches
- Eight khaki trousers
- Three dresses with lanyards
- One black cape branded with the words “Police Nationale”
- Four sewing machines
The suspects are being processed for court. The public is urged to surrender any military or police items to local authorities, the police, the District/Division Internal Security Organisation (DISO), or the nearest UPDF unit.
This operation will continue and extend to other parts of the country.
Patrick Onyango
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)
Public Relations Officer, Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP)
