The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) has introduced a new camouflage uniform specifically designed for its elite Safety and Security Unit. This unveiling came during the celebrations of Uganda’s 62 years of independence, where the only thing more colorful than the new attire was the public reaction.
The UPS showcased a uniform that boasts a mix of maroon, brown, orange, and black patches. According to Mr. Frank Baine, the UPS spokesperson, these colors represent a “national colour.” But one can’t help but wonder if “national colour” translates to “whatever looks good on the parade ground.”
However, the unveiling of this snazzy new outfit has not gone without a stir on social media platforms like X, formerly known as Twitter. As with any dramatic wardrobe change, the public’s opinion poured in faster than the local market’s response to a fresh batch of Nile Perch. Many users speculated that the UPS was ditching its signature maroon uniform in favor of the more subtle camouflage look. It’s as if they mistook the UPS for a fashion house rather than a security service.
While the public is buzzing with theories and guess work, the UPS has clarified that this uniform is strictly for the Safety and Security Unit. So, while you might see officers looking like they’ve just emerged from a wild safari or a paintball arena, rest assured, the maroon uniform is still very much alive and kicking for the rest of the service. It’s not a farewell.
Baine elaborated that the new uniform was crafted to enhance the officers’ ability to carry out their high risk duties effectively. The designs also come with pockets—a crucial feature, as every Ugandan knows that a good uniform is only as useful as its ability to hold extra snacks during long hours of duty.
