As if things were not worse enough for Ugandans supporting Bobi Wine and his ambitions to see Uganda become a fully democratic country, Museveni’s government has now banned the wearing of Bobi Wine’s trademark red beret and tunic, and anyone who violates this will end up in jail.
According to the statement, the red beret and tunic have been officially designated as military clothing, and anyone who is found donning them could end up in jail.
Bobi Wine, who recently announced he would be running for the presidency against Uganda’s long-time leader come 2021, has made the red beret his trademark signature, calling it a “symbol of resistance”.
Photo File: Ugandan musician turned politician, Robert Kyagulanyi also known as Bobi Wine wearing the red beret. REUTERS/James Akena
Red Beret Gazetted
The red beret has now been included in Uganda’s first ever gazette of all military clothing. The gazettement states that any member of the public found in possession of the items “is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years.”
“The dress code for the UPDF (Uganda People’s Defence Forces) has been gazetted. The action was endorsed by the top organs of the army which also commended the dress committee for concluding the task assigned to it years back. It manifests the commitment to define identity and outlook of a professional army as well as adhering to the EAC (East African Community) protocols,” army spokesman Richard Karemire said in a statement.
Bobi Wine’s Response
Bobi Wine is yet to make a comment on the new rules as he is out of the country. However, a leading figure in his “People Power” movement said they would not stop wearing it and termed it as political intimidation.
“We shall continue to wear the revolutionary red berets. No amount of intimidation will make us fear to exercise our rights. By designating our dress code as military wear, the government is moving to attempt to ban the People Power Movement and we are ready to face any action the government takes,” said youth leader Ivan Boowe.
