The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has threatened to court martial supporters of the leading opposition party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), in spite of a Supreme Court judgment that deemed it unconstitutional.
The Defense Public Information Officer, Acting Major General Felix Kulayigye, at the launch of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Inter-Forces Drill Competition 2025 at the UPDF Land Forces Headquarters in Bombo on Saturday, February 15, said NUP supporters commonly known as ‘foot soldiers’ who don red overalls and berets will be prosecuted in the military courts over their “army-like conduct.”
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“Our message is very clear. If you don’t want to be tried by the court martial, then don’t behave like a soldier. You behave like a soldier; you qualify yourself to be tried by the military court.”
Acting Major General Felix Kulayigye’s
remarks came after a viral social media video that showed NUP president, Mr. Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, inspecting a parade of his supporters dressed in red overalls and berets at the party headquarters in Kavule as they celebrated his 42nd birthday on February 12.
NUP supporters are alleged to have been abducted, and it is yet to be known if it is against the militia-like elements in the political party.
The CDF was represented at the launch by the deputy CDF, Lt Gen. Sam Okiding. Lt Gen Sam Okiding said the drill was part of the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) annual calendar, aiming to promote excellence and precision in military operations and foster cooperation and friendship among branches and units within the forces.
“Uganda has been fully pacified through the tireless efforts of the National Resistance Army (NRA) guerrilla struggle, and now we are at peace. It is, therefore, prudent that the army trains harder during peacetime to consolidate and maintain what our forefighters established. This will keep the forces active, fit, and disciplined in all aspects of military work,” Lt Gen. Okiding said.
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