The Director of Defence Public Information, Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye, has defended the controversial ban on civilians wearing black boots, following the enactment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Act by President Museveni earlier this week.
The law gives military courts expanded powers to try civilians under specific conditions and outlaws the wearing of attire resembling military gear — including black ankle and ranger boots — by members of the public.
The ban has sparked anxiety among opposition supporters, particularly from the National Unity Platform (NUP), whose members are known for donning black boots as part of their political identity.
Appearing on Sanyuka Television, Maj Gen Kulayigye defended the provision, arguing that it was intended to help security agencies clearly distinguish between soldiers and civilians.
“If a civilian wears a black ankle boot, how can one tell the difference from a soldier? We will all look alike,” he said. “Aren’t there other ankle boots in different colours?”
He urged civilians to “try other colours” if they wanted to wear ankle boots without breaking the law, adding that those with no ill intentions had no reason to be concerned.
“If you're not a lawbreaker, why worry about the new law?” Kulayigye asked.
But opposition politicians and human rights activists have condemned the law, accusing the government of eroding civil liberties under the guise of national security.
Several groups have signaled plans to challenge the law’s constitutionality in court.
“This is part of a broader effort to criminalise political expression and intimidate opposition supporters,” one Kampala-based rights lawyer told this publication.
“A boot is now a threat to national security?”
The UPDF has in recent years cracked down on civilians wearing clothing associated with military or police forces, citing concerns about impersonation and public order.
However, critics say the laws are selectively enforced and disproportionately target government critics.