NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine addresses a parade staged by his supporters at the party headquarters in Makerere Kavule, Kampala on February 12, 2025. PHOTO/ COURTESY
Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has threatened to continue court-martialing supporters of the leading opposition party, National unity Platform (NUP), despite a Supreme Court judgment that declared it unconstitutional to try civilians in military courts.
Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Inter-Forces Drill Competition 2025 at the UPDF Land Forces Headquarters in Bombo on Saturday, February 15, the Defence Public Information Officer, Acting Major General Felix Kulayigye, said NUP supporters commonly known as ‘foot soldiers’ who are popular for wearing red overalls and berets will be prosecuted in the military courts over their “army-like conduct.”
"Our message is very clear. If you don't want to be tried by the court martial, then don't behave like a soldier. You behave like a soldier, you qualify yourself to be tried by the military court," Ag Maj Gen Kulayigye warned.
His remarks followed a viral social media video which showed NUP president, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine inspecting a parade of his supporters dressed in red overalls and berets at the party headquarters in Kavule as they celebrated his 42nd birthday on February 12.
Several of Mr Kyagulanyi’s supporters have since 2021 presidential poll been arrested and prosecuted by the military court for wearing red berets.
One of them is Anthony Agaba, alias Bobi Young who’s currently on remand following his arrest last year.
Last month the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozii Kainerugaba said in an X post that he wanted to behead Mr Kyagulanyi. He later apologised for that threat and sometimes says that certain posts are meant ironically.
Representing the CDF at the launch, the deputy CDF Lt Gen Sam Okiding, said the drill was part of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) annual calendar, aimed to promote excellence and precision in military operations, enhance operational effectiveness and readiness, strengthen unit cohesion, and foster cooperation and friendship among branches and units within the forces.
"Uganda has been fully pacified through the tireless efforts of the National Resistance Army (NRA) guerrilla struggle, and now we are at peace. It is, therefore, prudent that the army trains harder during peacetime to consolidate and maintain what our fore-fighters established. This will keep the forces active, fit, and disciplined in all aspects of military work," Lt Gen Okiding said.
He urged the trained officers to pass on the knowledge acquired to their respective formations as they prepare for the final competition slated for May 12, 2025 at Kololo Independence grounds in Kampala.
Brig Gen Wycliffe Keita, the chairperson of the implementation committee, said the contest embodies the UPDF’s core values of excellence, discipline, and teamwork.
The event featured a captivating performance by the UPDF band, showcasing musical discipline and coordination as their other colleagues showcased sword drill movements, crop stick drill, foot drills, among others.
