UPDF to arrest, prosecute musicians who wear military attire

In the interest of national security, the UPDF has warned that it will arrest and prosecute any musician, artist or any member of the public who will be found wearing or in possession of military attire without permission.

This according to the army spokesperson, Paddy Ankunda will help improve security in the wake of terror threats.
“The UPDF has learned with concern the increasing illegal use of military attire by members of the public, especially musicians and other artists. This act has several security implications and undermines the laws governing use of military attire,” read in part a statement issued by the UPDF on Thursday afternoon.

“The current security situation of heightened terror threats, coupled with increasing “uniformed” criminals, and impersonators, has proved that its, hence forth, important and mandatory that systematic access to such attires be adhered to, as provided for by the law, so that together we can reduce on chances of infringement of security of innocent Ugandans, by dangerous elements,” noted Mr Ankunda.

Ankunda urged any member of the public to dispose of such attire to security agencies and remain security conscious or report any such characters who is still in possession of the same to relevant authorities like police, local authority, among others.

The UPDF Act 7 of 2005, section 164 (1) (a) and (b) prohibits any person, without authority, from manufacturing, selling, offering or exposing for sale, wearing or using any uniform supplied to or authorized for use by the Defence Forces or any uniform so nearly resembling it.
Violation of this provision attracts, on conviction an imprisonment term, not exceeding seven years.

“In the interest of National Security, and for the purpose of section 164 (1) (a) and (b) of UPDF Act 7, the public is hereby cautioned to desist from such attires and in the case of second hand clothes dealers, to declare and handover such attire to security agencies, immediately discovered in their stocks,” warned Mr Ankunda.

Mr Ankunda further stated that whereas section 164 (2) of the Act permits artists to use the same for Bona fide stage, film or television production, it shall only be done with proper authorization from the Defence Forces and handed back to the Defence Forces stores after the performance, failre of which will lead to arrest and prosecution of the perpetrator.