By Patriot corps
Kampala – In a recent joint operation conducted by the police and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Makidye East Member of Parliament, Derrick Nyeko, alongside four others, including Bukenya Joseph, a cleaner at the residence of National Unity Platform (NUP) Party President Bobi Wine, were apprehended for the possession of military attire.
The arrest was made following the recovery of several military-related items from the suspects’ homes, offices, and shops, as revealed by Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Patrick Onyango.
Among the recovered items were desert military shoes, police shoes, outfits resembling Counter Terrorism uniforms with UG flag badges, red berets, and red NUP attire accompanied by police insignias, among others. Additionally, counterfeit dollars, toy pistols, and other paraphernalia were confiscated during the operation.
Police and the UPDF have consistently cautioned NUP supporters against wearing attire such as red berets, citing their reservation for security forces. However, the opposition party has refuted these warnings, asserting that their clothing is distinctly marked with NUP badges, thus differentiating them from official police and UPDF uniforms.
Notably, recent events have stirred controversy regarding the enforcement of uniform regulations, with accusations of double standards leveled against security forces. Despite recordings of individuals, including public figures, donning UPDF uniforms, actions taken against them have varied. While some, like Kitgum District Woman MP, Lilian Aber, have apologized and sought forgiveness, others, like the PLU spokesperson, Andrew Mwenda, have faced no repercussions.
In response to the arrests, Onyango confirmed that the suspects are undergoing processing for court proceedings. He further urged the public to surrender any military-related items to local authorities, police, or the nearest UPDF unit.
This operation, aimed at curbing the illegal possession of military attire and equipment, is set to extend to other regions of the country in the coming days.