Pro-Movement Gen-Z rebuke NUP over 'politicising' national flag

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With less than 10 days remaining to the General Election, a section of youths under their umbrella body: Gen-Z for Museveni, have rebuked Opposition National Unity Platform supporters for politicising Uganda’s flag, saying the misuse threatens national unity.

Led by their chairperson, Israel Kyarisiima, the Gen-Z for Museveni youths said it is improper for the NUP to mix the national flag, which is a national symbol for all Ugandans, into their political affairs.

The Pro-Museveni Gen-Z youths posing for a group photo on Monday, January, 5, 2026, at Kololo. (Credit: Stuart Yiga)

“Uganda under President Yoweri Museveni has advanced in peace and security, among other aspects, and it is incumbent upon us to safeguard these achievements to further enhance the social-economic and political prospects of our country,” Kyarisiima said.

He (Kyarisiima) also cautioned the youth against involvement in activities that may be intended to compromise the country’s stability.

“We are still in a productive age, so we should restrict ourselves to activities that can only add value to our future, other than accepting to be used by leaders who have no goodwill for our country.”

Musa Ukash, who represented the ghetto youths, at the joint media briefing on January 5, 2026, at the Kololo Independence Grounds, in Kampala city, also expressed concern over some leaders whom he accused of using an inciting language during their campaigns, which has, in the process, left some arrested, and while others have lost their lives.

“President Museveni has exhibited a rare exemplary leadership potential compared to others, so I call upon all the peace-loving youths in the country to embrace his candidature, other than being used in destabilising our nation, which may land us in trouble,” Ukash said.

Beware of rules governing national flag usage 

The group's warning against 'politicising' the national flag follows an earlier one by the Police, who cautioned the public against the misuse of the national flag, saying ignorance of the law does not excuse violations.

Gen Z for Museveni banner. (Credit: Stuart Yiga)

Addressing journalists on December 29, 2025, during the joint weekly security briefing at Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kampala city, Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said Police have observed widespread misuse of the Uganda flag, particularly during political activities.

“Many citizens are ignorant about the proper use of the national flag, and it is our duty to sensitise the public before emphasising enforcement,” Kituuma said.

He cited incidents where the national flag was hung on electric poles and used without authorisation, describing such acts as disrespectful and unlawful.

“There is a law that governs the use of the national flag, the National Flag and Armorial Ensigns Act. It clearly spells out the dos and don’ts, including the requirement for prior permission from the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs,” he said.

Kituuma explained that government institutions observe strict protocols in handling the flag, including lowering it during rain and storing it properly to protect it as a national symbol.

“On the contrary, some citizens use it casually and inappropriately. This must stop,” he warned.

Police urged members of the public to familiarise themselves with the law, which is available online, and respect national symbols regardless of political excitement.

“Respect for the national flag is respect for the country,” Kituuma said.

Kyagulanyi's defence

However, National Unity Platform presidential candidate recently defended his initiative of rallying party supporters to move with the national flag, saying, Ugandans do so, as a way of expressing their unwavering love for their country. 

According to Kyagulanyi, the flag is a symbol of patriotism every Ugandan must embrace and that instead of criticising him, the Government should thank him for promoting patriotism in just a few months, unlike the Government which spent millions of money to do the same thing but still failed at the end.