Makindye East MP Derrick Nyeko and four other suspects have been detained over illegal possession of army uniforms a monopoly of the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF).
The intelligence-led operation was conducted last evening after the Uganda police force and other security agencies secured a court order with which they cordoned off offices, residences, shops, among other targeted areas in Wandegeya and Kamwokya, Kampala.
Section 119 (1) of the UPDF Act 2005 stipulates that any person found in unlawful possession of any equipment ordinarily being the monopoly of the defence forces and other classified stores as prescribed, is subject to military law and can be tried in military courts as appropriate. The offence carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment on conviction.
The other four suspects include Mr. Geoffrey Katuruntu a Councillor, Mr. Waswa Musoke Hassan,18, a shop attendant at Costume world tailoring shop and resident of kimwanyi zone, Wandegeya parish, Kawempe division, Kampala district, Mr. Joseph Bukenya,32, whom police say is a cleaner at NUP party President Robert Kyagulanyi’s home in Magere Kyadondo East county in wakiso district and a one Marvin Biiso Marvin, 18, a phone cover seller and resident of Namungoona.
Mr. Patrick Onyango the Kampala metropolitan police Spokesperson has revealed that upon a search from assortment of military uniforms has recovered from MP Nyeko.
“Desert military shoes, Police shoes black in colour, an Overall resembling that of Counter Terrorism, with the UG flag badge Katuruntu Geoffrey, red Berets, Red NUP party attires accompanied with police ranks Ronnie Gun’s shop, a live PK bullet, Four army look alike trousers, Two military look alike overalls, three army look alike berets a walk tokie branded alpha Romeo, a military poncho, two military look alike berets and Six army like Chevrons” he noted
He adds that other recovered items include, “Counterfeit dollars of 23 bundles of 20 notes, Two toy pistols, a stainless curved sharp metal, two military badges branded on auxiliary police department, Seven khaki shirts with star pepes, eight khaki trousers, three dresses with laneyards, one black cape branded with police Nationale wording, four sewing machines.”
According to Mr.Onyango, the suspects are being processed for a court hearing and he has appealed to members of ghc public to voluntarily surrender armed force uniforms.
“The public is urged to surrender these items to local authorities, the police, District/Division Internal Security Organisation (DISO), or the nearest UPDF unit.
This operation will extend to other parts of the country.” He noted
On April 22, 2024, the Uganda Police Force, through the National Police Spokesperson, issued a directive to Private Security Organizations, Bouncers Associations, Political groups, and individuals, who are using Police uniforms and rank insignia (PIPS), stating it’s illegal, and they must stop immediately.
Relatedly on May 2, 2024, the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces, through their 4th Infantry Division Public Information Office, cautioned individuals wearing military outfits bearing UPDF imprints, such as warm suits, jackets, ranger boots, berets, caps, porches, backpacks/camel backs, among others, to cease immediately.
