____________________

The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) on Monday, May 6, 2024, warned the residents in the Acholi and West Nile sub-regions against wearing military outfits bearing military insignia noting that this was a preserve of the army. 

Captain Kato Ahmad Hassan, the UPDF 4th Infantry Division public information officer, said failure to adhere to the directive would attract sanctions. 

“The UPDF 4th Infantry Division Headquarter has noted with deep concern the augmenting number of civilians and private security companies in Acholi and West Nile Sub Region dressed in Military outfits bearing UPDF imprint that are a conserve of the Security Forces such as warm suits, jackets, ranger boots, berets, capes, porches, weapon slings belts and backpacks among others,” Capt. Kato said. 

He explained that the UPDF Act, of 2005 Section 160 Part 2 prohibits none members of the security forces from using such costumes mentioned above. 

“Whilst, the Uganda Gazette under General notice No 1013 of 2019, dated 18th Sept 2019 issued a notice describing and prohibiting members of the public from wearing Military materials and decorations or so nearly resembling them. We wish to warn these individuals in their various capacities to stop putting on these items listed above as soon as possible and to hand them over to the Uganda Police Force and the UPDF for further management,” he added. 

Capt. Kato warned that “Futility to comply with this admonitions will invite an indictment to the violators. UPDF desires to restate its commitment to maintaining law and order in our community.”

In September 2023, Defence Information Officer Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye in a statement warned locals against wearing UPDF attire. 

"The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs has noted with concern the increasing number of civilians in military insignia that are a preserve of the security forces. These include berets, lanyards, and clothing, among others," the statement read in part. 

He revealed that civilians are prohibited from receiving, selling, possessing, or delivering military attire under Section 160 of the Uganda People’s Defence Act 2005. 

The Ministry warned that Ugandans who are not members of the security forces and refuse to abide by the directive will face legal action.