A 25-year-old taxi driver from Bulenga in Wakiso District faces sentencing next week after being convicted by the Makindye-based General Court Martial for unlawfully wearing Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) military attire.
The convict, Isa Asimwe, appeared before the military court chaired by Brigadier Richard Tukacungurwa. He was charged with the unauthorized wearing of military uniforms, an offence contrary to Section 162 of the amended UPDF Act of 2005.
Under Ugandan law, non-gazetted persons found wearing official military clothing, insignia, or equipment face prosecution in military courts, as such items are reserved exclusively for active security personnel to prevent impersonation and criminal misuse.
Intercepted at RDC Residence Gathering
Prosecution led by Lt. Regina Nanzaala informed the court that on January 14, 2026, at Bugweri Town Council in Bugweri District, Asimwe was found wearing military trousers, a hat, and jungle boots classified as official military fatigue.
State prosecutors revealed that on the day of the incident, Asimwe and his colleagues had attended a meeting at the official residence of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Bugweri.
During the gathering, an intelligence officer attached to the nearby Magamaga Barracks noticed Asimwe dressed in a half-combat military uniform and intervened.
Upon being interrogated by the security officer, Asimwe admitted to being a civilian and claimed the military clothing belonged to an acquaintance identified as Nathan Munumbya.
Guilty Plea and Remand Ahead of Sentencing
Though Asimwe initially denied the charge—prompting the court to enter a temporary plea of not guilty—he changed his stance once the prosecution detailed the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
Following the reading of the state’s summary, Asimwe conceded to the evidence brought against him.
“I plead guilty to the brief facts,” Asimwe told the court.
Brigadier Tukacungurwa subsequently entered a formal conviction against the accused.
“You are hereby convicted on your own plea of guilty,” the court ruled.
Lt. Nanzaala requested a short adjournment to allow the state to compile the convict’s antecedents and prepare for sentencing. Brigadier Tukacungurwa remanded Asimwe to prison until November 10, 2026, when the court will hear mitigation arguments before delivering its final sentence.
Discover more from SANTA MEDIA UGANDA
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
