KAMPALA – Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine has lashed at the army for gazetting the red berets, arguing that People Power is far more than the red beret political symbol.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Bobi Wine said the government is using all means to suffocate the people power movement without success.
“It is a blatant attempt to suffocate a successful threat to the autocratic status quo. But People Power is more than a red beret, we are bigger than our symbol. We are a booming political movement fighting for the future of Uganda and we will continue our struggle for democracy and prosperity for all Ugandans,” he said.
Through gazette notice volume CXII Number 46 which was published on September 18, the army banned the wearing, making and selling of red berets because it is part of any gear resembling UPDF uniform.
“Members of the Public are hereby informed that unless granted authority by a Competent Military Authority, it is prohibited to; sell, offer or expose for sale or use any uniform of the Defense forces; manufacture, sell, offer or expose for sale, wear or use any uniform so nearly resembling the uniform of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces and like to deceive the public” the Gazatte reads in part.
People Power has been wearing red berets and a red overall as their brand insignia for political activism seeking regime change.
Earlier on Monday, Mr Joel Ssenyonyi, the People Power spokesperson, said they will not yield to the move by the UPDF to monopolise the red beret wear, adding that such only strengthens them and said the army decision indicates President Museveni is showing panic.
“As far as we are concerned, this is just Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who is in panic mode. I keep wondering why that guy keeps calling himself a General because he is such a coward and very fearful of people power” said Mr Ssenyonyi.
