The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces have given whoever is in possession of theirs or the police’s patented designs to voluntarily hand them over.
The army spokesperson Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso made the statements shortly after security personnel raided the offices of the National Unity Platform (NUP) in a quest for army and police stores.
“Due to continued illegal use of military and police stores and other military/police patented designs, a joint operation is ongoing to recover the same from the public. All in possession of such items are encouraged to voluntarily return them,” she said.
In the recent past, the UPDF has warned civilians against wearing military attire or military-like attire such as camouflage, and red or green berets saying it undermines the law governing the military dress code and could aid terrorism.
According to Sec 119 (1) (h) every person found in unlawful possession of (i) arms, ammunition or equipment ordinarily being the monopoly of the Defence Forces; or (ii) other classified stores as prescribed, is subject to military law and can be tried in military courts as appropriate.
Section 164 (2) of the 2005 UPDF Act 7 permits artists to use the same for Bonafide stage, film or television production, it can only be done with proper authorisation from the army and handed back to its stores after the performance.
Violation of this provision attracts, on conviction, an imprisonment term, not exceeding seven years.
