KAMPALA – June 16, 2025 — President Yoweri Museveni has signed into law the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (Amendment) Act, 2025, a move that officially tightens control over military-style attire and ceremonial gear. The new legislation expands state authority over symbols previously contested between the state and opposition groups.
The law introduces Section 117A with Schedule B, a new classification that places a wide range of military stores—including ceremonial boots, swords, belts, caps, and berets—under the exclusive control of the UPDF.
What the Law Covers
The newly gazetted Schedule B restricts civilian possession and use of:
- Ceremonial military shoes and belts
- Metallic buttons embossed with the national emblem
- Lanyards
- Army-green gumboots and ranger boots
- Multiple military caps including green, black, sky blue berets
- Camouflage and ceremonial forage caps
- Camouflage baseball caps for desert and woodland operations
- Military helmets and ceremonial swords
The law also includes visual representations of each item to remove ambiguity in enforcement.
Context and Political Implications
The legislation comes amid ongoing tensions between security forces and the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), led by Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine). Since 2019, the red beret—adopted by NUP as a resistance symbol—has been at the center of multiple legal battles after it was declared part of UPDF gear.
Numerous NUP supporters have been arrested for wearing red berets and military-style attire at political rallies, sparking claims that the government is using military gear laws to suppress political opposition.
Government’s Argument: National Security
Officials defend the new law as a national security measure aimed at preventing impersonation of armed forces and restoring public trust in the military’s exclusive identity. By clearly defining restricted items, the government hopes to remove legal loopholes previously exploited in political mobilization campaigns.
Opposition Concerns Ahead of 2026 Polls
Critics argue the expanded UPDF monopoly could be used to criminalize political expression, especially ahead of the 2026 general elections. Legal experts say the law gives security forces greater leeway to arrest individuals for merely wearing gear that resembles official military wear.
What Analysts Say
Legal and political analysts warn the law may fuel fresh legal challenges and political confrontations, especially with its broad definitions and timing so close to the elections.
“While the government frames this as a security measure, opposition leaders view it as a legal trap,” said a Kampala-based constitutional lawyer.
Key Takeaways:
- Museveni signed the UPDF Amendment Act, 2025, expanding restrictions on military-related attire and ceremonial gear.
- The law codifies visual identification of restricted military items under Schedule B.
- The law raises concerns of political suppression, particularly against NUP supporters.
- Enforcement powers for security agencies are expanded, ahead of Uganda’s 2026 elections.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR2w2LF1C_Y
