Senior officer in the Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF), Gen. Proscovia Nalweyiso has issued a stern warning to singer Alien Skin and other artists who persist in wearing military attire despite repeated warnings.
In one of her recent interviews, the general emphasized that the military uniform is a symbol of honor and respect, earned through hard work and dedication, and should not be trivialized by civilians.
According to the UPDF Act of 2005 and a notice published in the Uganda Gazette in 2019, civilians are strongly advised to desist from wearing military attire or anything that closely resembles it.
However, some individuals, including Alien Skin, have continued to flout this ban, wearing military fatigues as a fashion statement or to make a political statement.
Gen. Nalweyiso expressed frustration that despite previous warnings and efforts to enforce the ban, some individuals continue to disregard the law.
She emphasized that the military uniform is not a fashion accessory or a tool for political posturing but a symbol of service and sacrifice.
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The general instead suggested that if Alien Skin and other artists are interested in wearing a military uniform, they should consider joining the military training schools and earning the right to wear it.
"Alien Skin, remove that army uniform. If you want, go and train to join the army. We have so many training schools. Unless you have a special document allowing you to wear these army uniforms and you went to Kyankwanzi, remove our combat.I know people who support Alien Skin but let them support him without the army fatigues and gangs that he moves with to fight with other people. We do not allow such kind of behavior and I ask the responsible security organ to solve this matter before it goes out of control," Lt. Gen. Proscovia Nalweyiso said.
The UPDF has been cracking down on civilians wearing military attire, and Gen. Nalweyiso's warning is the latest in a series of efforts to enforce the ban.
The general's warning comes amid a broader debate about the use of military symbols and imagery in civilian life.
While some argue that wearing military attire is a harmless form of expression, others see it as a form of disrespect to the military and its values.
Gen. Proscovia Nalweyiso's warning to Alien Skin and other artists is a reminder that the military uniform is a sacred symbol that should be treated with respect and dignity.
The ban on civilians wearing military attire is in place to protect the integrity of the military and its values, and those who flout it will face consequences.
