The dress code for the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has been gazetted.
“This development is a milestone in the long history of the UPDF,” said Brig. Richard Karemire, Spokesperson of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces – (UPDF) and the Ministry of Defence & Veterans Affairs – (MODVA).
He added that, “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 protocols.”
In the notice, UPDF states that ” the public is hereby informed that the marks, accessories, insignia, decorations 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 Uganda People’s Defence Forces Act, 2005.”
According to the gazette singed and confirmed by the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Adolf Mwesigye dated September 18, 2019, the red beret is part of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces’ marks, accessories, insignia, decoration and uniform as provided for under section 160 of the UPDF Act 2005.
In the gazette, government has subsequently banned the sale or use of the beret which part of the military uniform by any member of the public or else they face dire consequences.
Government adds that the sale or wearing of any attire which resembles the army uniform which also includes the red beret which may deceive the public is also banned.
“It is prohibited to wear or use any decoration supplied or authorised for use by any member of the defence forces or any decoration so nearly resembling that decoration and likely to deceive the public.”
The gazette stipulates that any person shall wear such insignia, marks or decorations in accordance with the UPDF Standing Orders issued by the Chief of Defence Forces.
Commenting about the matter, UPDF spokesperson, Brig, Richard Karemire said the gazette manifests the commitment to define identity and outlook of a professional army as well as adhering to the EAC protocols.
“The dress code for the UPDF has been gazette and the action was endorse 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 on twitter.
