Government has gazetted the red beret as a property on the dress code for the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF).
According to the gazette details that were signed by the Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs Adolf Mwesigye, the UPDF headgears come in Army green, maroon, red, dark brown, grey and navy blue. Anyone found wearing berets in these colours commits an offense.
Red berets are the most common berets of recent as they are donned by the fast-rising political pressure group, People Power Movement led by Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine.
With the new gazette rules, the group will have to shy away from their trademark attire or risk being prosecuted in the military court.
“The public is hereby informed that the marks, accessories, insignia, decoration and uniforms specified in the schedule to this notice are property of the state or classified stores and anyone found in unlawful possession, selling or dealing in them shall be prosecuted under the UPDF Act of 2005,” reads in part the government gazette.
The gazette also explains that even resembling items that can deceive the public are banned.
“It is prohibited to wear or use any decoration supplied or authorised for use by any member of the defense forces or any decoration so nearly resembling that decoration and likely to deceive the public,” it reads.
UPDF spokesperson, Brig. Richard Karemire revealed that action against those that violate the rules is immediate.
“The dress code for the UPDF has been gazetted and 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. This development is a milestone in the long history of the UPDF,” Karemire said.