The Army Deputy Spokesman Col Deo Akiiki stated yesterday, Sunday that all NUP supporters who were arrested for wearing the party’s red beret have since been released.
The Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) has dispelled claims that several supporters of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) are held in incarceration for wearing military insignia.
UPDF mouthpiece Deo Akiiki (L) says just Lilian Aber (C) no NUP supporter including Olivia Lutaya are in jail for wearing a red beret
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“There isn't anyone in jail for wearing a beret or UPDf uniform. Those who did were cautioned and set free…” Akiiki clarified.
Akiiki was responding to concerns raised by the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, who pointed out what he considers double standards in punishing those who wear military attire.
In a tweet, Ssenyonyi pointed out Kitgum District Woman MP Lilian Aber, who shared pictures of herself dressed in full UPDF uniform during a Tarehe Sita event in her constituency.
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The LOP questioned how Aber was “let off the hook” while other NUP supporters such as Olivia Lutaaya continued to languish in prison for three years for wearing a red beret with a People Power badge.
“The one meant to be in jail is not, the one meant to be free is not,” said Ssenyonyi.
Olivia, Lutaya, a mother of two, was arrested by plain-clothed men on May 8, 2021. She was detained briefly at a safe house in Bukoto and later moved Special Investigations Unit (SIU) in Kireka, and later to Luzira Prison from where she has remained on remand.
She has since been arraigned before the army court, the General Court Martial on charges of treachery and possession of ammunition.
But Col Akiiki says none of the charges she and other NUP supporters are facing include wearing a red beret.
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Just like the Kitgum MP, Akiiki said, those initially arrested on this offence are out of jail.
The UPDF, following media outrage about Hon Aber last week, said the MP had asked for forgiveness from the army’s Chief of Defense Forces, who pardoned her.
However, the UPDF spokesperson Brig Felix Kulayigye insisted that the army will continue to carry out operations against those misusing its uniform.
While the NUP’s red beret has a clear party badge, Kulayigye said this might not be easily distinguishable from the UPDF badge, especially at night.
Kulayigye also said that the NUP supporters were arrested and detained because they were unapologetic, unlike Hon Aber, who owned up to their mistakes.
