Views: 0
On May 14, 2024, the police asked Derrick Nyeko, the Member of Parliament for Makindye East, to turn himself in after military clothing was allegedly found at his home. Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango announced this at a media briefing held at the Central Police Station.
Onyango explained that the police had conducted a raid on Nyeko’s home and recovered various pieces of military gear. He said, “When the operation started on Monday, Nyeko was at his home. Our intelligence indicated he was inside, but he escaped through the backdoor. He is now wanted by the police. Since we found the items, we have been searching for him. He can report to any nearest police station or go to Katwe Police.”
The operation was part of a broader effort by a joint security team to search National Unity Platform (NUP) offices, shops, and residences suspected of housing military-like attire and equipment. This effort followed a court order allowing these searches. Onyango noted that the operation included various locations, such as the NUP offices in Kamwokya, individual residences, and shops. As a result, numerous items were seized, and about ten suspects were arrested.
The operation is ongoing, and Onyango emphasized that it aims to uphold security and legality.
David Lewis Rubongoya, the Secretary General of the National Unity Platform, confirmed that security forces had raided their offices in Kamwokya and the homes of their associates. He expressed concern over the whereabouts of the caretaker from the Kamwokya office, suggesting that the authorities are attempting to instill fear in the population.
In response to the raid, Nyeko stated that he had written to the defense minister and the minister of internal affairs seeking explanations. He reminded them of the proper procedures to follow if they wanted an MP to appear before them. Nyeko asserted that he would not be intimidated by these actions.
Earlier in the year, the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Uganda Police Force issued warnings against civilians wearing military and police attire. On May 2, 2024, the UPDF, through its 4th Infantry Division Public Information Office, advised individuals to stop wearing outfits with UPDF imprints. Similarly, on April 22, 2024, the Uganda Police Force issued a directive to private security organizations, political groups, and individuals, instructing them to cease using police uniforms and rank insignia. On September 1, 2023, the UPDF also expressed concerns over civilians wearing military insignia and urged them to surrender such items to the authorities.
According to Uganda Police, these measures are part of ongoing efforts to maintain the distinction between civilians and military personnel, ensuring that military and police attire is not misused.