Kampala RDC moots ban on People Power’s red berets

The use of political symbols around Kampala could be banned, Herbert Anderson Barora, the deputy resident city commissioner in charge of Nakawa division has warned.

Barora, who was speaking to a local newspaper this week said the move follows news that many people are being target for their political affiliations.

Last week, Baker Kasumba, a 21-year-old resident of Kalerwe was ‘crucified’ for wearing a yellow beret in support of President Museveni and the ruling National Resistance Movement. His photo, complete with two six inch nails driven through his palms shocked many.

Police claimed he had been attacked by two members of People Power, a claim dismissed by the political movement’s leadership as well as presidential adviser Tamale Mirundi.

Also People Power supporters have reported cases of attacks on them by security agencies.

Red berets is the official symbol of People Power, which is led by Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, the Kyadondo East MP.

“If you realise that wearing such colours or symbols of a political organisation puts your life at risk, it’s better you do not put them on because it is not the colours or symbols that make you a true supporter,” Barora said, adding “If such cases of attacks continue being reported, as security organs, we shall use our mandate of protecting the citizens and ban the use of all such political symbols,” he said.

The red beret campaign was launched on September 1, with the hope that the People Power Movement can use the one-week campaign to promote its identity.

However, Barora advised him to be careful and make sure the symbol is not used by self-seeking individuals to put his organisation on a collision path with security organs.

“Bobi Wine should understand that wearing a red beret does not make one an ardent supporter of People Power because even criminals can disguise and use the red beret to commit crimes,” he said.

At the event, Kyagulanyi told politicians joining his movement, “If you are coming to join People Power, leave your political party, religion, tribe in your house, come focused on getting back our freedom that has been taken by dictator Museveni.”