The UPDF says it is investigating a matter concerning a photo of a man who was pictured dressed in an army uniform and donning a beret of opposition political grouping ‘People Power’.
The photo made rounds on social media on Tuesday 18th August raising queries on whether a serving soldier should be participating in partisan politics.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces have distanced its self from a man who appeared at National Unity Platform (NUP) headquarters in Kamwokya while donning a military camouflage.
The man, who was clad in a full military uniform, was photographed seated with the new members of the party who joined on Tuesday, 18 August.
The two were raising their fists, a sign of Bobi Wine’s political party. The uniform donned by the said man had the name ‘Turyatunga’ on the name tag.
Now, the army spokesperson, Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso has issued a statement saying Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) is investigating the matter.
“A picture of an unidentified individual in UPDF dress, with unclear name tag and covered shoulder lapels and with a people power beret and mask was posted on social media. to cheaply and desperately portray some members of the force as partisan,” Byekwaso said.
“The UPDF takes strong exception to this criminal scheme and already investigations are underway to establish the identity and apprehend the culprit who is not a member of the UPDF,” the army spokesperson added.
Article 208 (1) of the Constitution provides that the national army shall be ‘non-partisan” as well as “subordinate to the civilian authority”.
Section 99 of the UPDF Act 2005, bars a serving army officer from seeking a political appointment or engaging in partisan politics.
