MP Nyeko, 4 others nabbed over possession of army uniforms

Summary:

• Makindye East MP Derrick Nyeko and four others were detained for possessing UPDF uniforms illegally. Police found a variety of military gear during a search, leading to their arrest and a call for voluntary surrender of such items. This follows warnings from police and UPDF against illegal use of military and police uniforms.

Makindye East MP Derrick Nyeko and four others find themselves detained over the illegal possession of army uniforms, items reserved exclusively for the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF). The operation, driven by intelligence, unfolded yesterday evening. Led by the Uganda Police Force and other security agencies, it was backed by a court order enabling the cordoning off of targeted areas in Wandegeya and Kamwokya, Kampala.

The gravity of their offense is highlighted by Section 119 (1) of the UPDF Act 2005, which mandates that those found unlawfully possessing such equipment are subject to military law and can face trial in military courts. The potential consequence of conviction is severe, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment looming.

Among the detained suspects are Mr. Geoffrey Katuruntu, a Councillor, Mr. Waswa Musoke Hassan, a shop attendant residing in Wandegeya, Mr. Joseph Bukenya, allegedly a cleaner at NUP party President Robert Kyagulanyi’s home, and Marvin Biiso, a phone cover seller from Namungoona. MP Nyeko was found in possession of various military items, including desert military shoes, police shoes, an overall resembling that of Counter Terrorism, red NUP party attire, and more.

The recovered items extend beyond military gear, with counterfeit dollars, toy pistols, sharp metal objects, and clothing items among them. Mr. Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, emphasizes the importance of surrendering such items voluntarily to the authorities, stressing the ongoing nationwide scope of the operation.

This crackdown follows recent directives from both the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces, aimed at curtailing the illegal use of military and police uniforms by private security organizations, bouncers associations, political groups, and individuals. The warnings underscore the seriousness with which the authorities are addressing the issue, emphasizing the need for compliance and cooperation from the public.