In other countries, they could have faced death- Gen Nalweyiso on NUP foot soldiers' parade

Senior military officer, Gen Proscivia Nalweyiso has said that supporters of the National Unity Platform, often referred to as "foot soldiers," are committing an offence the law by behaving like a military force.

Her comments came in response to recent social media videos showing NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu inspecting a parade of men dressed in red, who saluted him as he walked among them.

The videos, which went viral, appeared to imitate military parades.

Speaking on Sanyuka Television, General Nalweyiso expressed that the actions of the NUP supporters were offensive and could have prompted immediate action from the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) if it weren't for the government's principle of "Ubuntu."

She emphasized that had these actions occurred in another country, they could have led to arrests and even fatalities, noting that the supporters are fortunate to be in Uganda.

"They are committing an offense by acting as a military force. When we confront them, we treat them as if they are a military entity. There are certain behaviors expected in a country. In other places, they would have been rounded up, and you might have heard that about 50 people were killed," General Nalweyiso stated on Tuesday.

She continued, "That is the Ubuntu we uphold, which I am highlighting. In other countries, they would have been treated like soldiers."

Furthermore, Nalweyiso suggested that the videos indicate that Bobi Wine is attempting to organize a military group that is not solely focused on the elections. "He seems to be pursuing an alternative agenda that his supporters may not fully grasp," she remarked.

This week, the UPDF issued a strong warning to the NUP regarding its supporters' behavior that resembles military conduct, with army spokesperson Brig Gen Felix Kulayigye commenting, "If a duck begins to fly like a bird, what is that called?”

Kulayigye further warned that individuals engaging in such behavior could face arrest and be brought before a disciplinary committee for violating military protocols.

“If these individuals continue to mimic the army, they might find themselves facing legal consequences,” he said.