Uganda government on
30th September 2019 designated the red beret and tunic as official military
clothing that could put the civilians who wear them behind bars, thus
permanently preventing the public from wearing the uniform of the leading
opposition leader Bobi Wine and his supporters.
Bobi Wine, the pop
star who upturned as a leading opposition figure has announced that he is
running for the president position against longtime leader Yoweri Museveni in
2021 and has made the red beret his signature, calling it a “symbol of
resistance.”
The beret, which is
also worn by some soldiers, was incorporated in Uganda’s first ever gazette of
all military clothing, stating that members of the public who found in
possession of the items are liable to punishment involving imprisonment for a
term not exceeding five years.
Richard Karemire,
the army spokesman of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in a statement said
that the dress code for the UPDF is gazetted. The action was supported by the
army’s top authorities, which also endorsed the dress committee for concluding
the task allotted to it years back.
He added that it
demonstrates the commitment to define the identity and outlook of a trained
army as well as adhering to a single East African Community (EAC) protocol.
‘People Power’ Reacts
However, Bobi Wine,
whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, did not comment on the new rules as he is
out of the nation, but a leader in his “People Power” movement, which is yet to
register as a political party, announced that they would not end wearing the
specific clothing.
The “People Power”
is not limited to just a red beret; instead, it is more influential than their
symbol. They are a part of the booming political movement fighting for the
future of Uganda, and they will continue their struggle for democracy.
Bobi Wine has
disturbed the Ugandan government and authorities who see him as an overwhelming
threat to put an end to Yoweri Museveni’s more than three decades in power.
Ivan Boowe, the
youth leader, said that they would continue to wear the revolutionary red
berets and tunic.
He added that no
intimation could make them afraid and prevent exercising their rights. By
designating their trademark/dress code as official military wear, the
government is making attempts to ban the People Power Movement, but they are
ready to face and respond to any action the government takes. For view
source: https://www.trademarkmaldives.com/blog/uganda-government-bans-red-beret-the-oppositions-trademark/
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