This archive report was first published on 30 September 2019.
On September 30, 2019, Uganda's government took a significant step in restricting the opposition's freedom of expression by designating the red beret and tunic as official military clothing.
The move, which could land civilians who wear the uniform in jail for up to five years, effectively bans the signature attire of opposition leader Bobi Wine and his supporters.
Bobi Wine, a pop star turned leading opposition figure, has made the red beret his trademark, calling it a 'symbol of resistance.' He has announced his intention to run for president against longtime leader Yoweri Museveni in 2021.
However, the army spokesman, Richard Karemire, defended the decision, stating that it was endorsed by the top organs of the army and adheres to the East African Community protocols.
Despite the ban, a leading figure in Bobi Wine's 'People Power' movement, Ivan Boowe, vowed that they would continue to wear the red berets, saying, 'No amount of intimidation will make us fear to exercise our rights.'
