This archive report was first published on 1 October 2019.
On October 1, 2019, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni's government took a drastic step against supporters of opposition leader Bobi Wine, banning the wearing of his trademark red beret and tunic.
The move, which has been met with resistance from Wine's supporters, comes as the musician-turned-politician prepares to run against Museveni in the 2021 presidential election.
According to a statement from the army, the red beret and tunic have been officially designated as military clothing, and anyone found wearing them could face up to five years in jail.
"The dress code for the UPDF (Uganda People's Defence Forces) has been gazetted," said army spokesman Richard Karemire. "The action was endorsed by the top organs of the army which also commended the dress committee for concluding the task assigned to it years back."
Bobi Wine, who has made the red beret his signature symbol of resistance, has yet to comment on the new rules, but a leading figure in his "People Power" movement has vowed to continue wearing the beret, calling it a form of political intimidation.
"We shall continue to wear the revolutionary red berets," said youth leader Ivan Boowe. "No amount of intimidation will make us fear to exercise our rights."
