KAMPALA
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi has cautioned Ugandan youth against engaging in violence and using abusive language in politics, saying such conduct undermines their potential to lead the country’s transformation.
“I appeal to the youth in Uganda to play clean politics and comply with the laws that govern this country,” he said
Addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre on Friday, Barugahara cautioned the young people against being influenced by some ‘selfish’ political players to wear military attire such as the red berets and camouflage clothes and doing military drills, which he says compromise security. He urged young people to embrace peaceful participation, innovation, and partnerships instead of divisive rhetoric.
“Youth must resist being used as agents of violence or abusive language in politics,” he said.
The UPDF Act, of 2005 Section 160 part 2 prohibits non-members of the security forces from using military costumes. Also, the Uganda Gazette under General notice No 1013 of 2019, dated September, 18, 2019 also issued a notice describing and prohibiting members of the public from wearing military materials and decorations or so nearly resembling them.
In the recent past, many civilians, especially supporters and leaders of the opposition National Unity Platform have been arrested and arraigned to the general court martial for donning in red berets which is considered a military attire, and holding unlawful drilling.
Balaam Barugahara warned that government and security agencies will not tolerate the illegal use and possession of military attire, saying such practices pose a threat to national security and discipline.
