Mwenda is free to wear a military uniform.

Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the First Son and Commander of the Land Forces, has stated that veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda has done nothing wrong by wearing a UPDF uniform despite not being a soldier.

“Because of the amazing work we do, my brother Mwenda is part of UPDF’s large fan base.” They want to dress up in our outfits, carry our weapons, and even pretend to fly our planes. “It doesn’t mean anything,” Muhoozi wrote on Twitter.

People like Mwenda, according to Kainerugaba, become aroused because of their love for the force.

Mwenda came under criticism last week after videos of him wearing a UPDF uniform and sitting in one of the country’s helicopters went viral on social media.

As he put on the outfit, Mwenda was seen welcoming a number of UPDF soldiers, including the chopper’s pilots.

The video sparked debate on social media, with many accusing the army of having double standards because it had previously jailed people for having military wares such as uniforms.

Brig Flavia Byekwaso, a spokesperson for the UPDF, said there are times when a civilian is authorized to wear a military uniform, and that this may have happened in Mwenda’s case.

“I’d like to believe Andrew(Mwenda) was given permission ahead of time. We must keep in mind that the law permits a civilian to wear a military outfit. The UPDF Act’s Article 160 outlines the conditions in which a civilian may don a military uniform. “I want the public to be aware that this provision exists,” Byekwaso stated.

Maj Gen Kayanja Muhanga, commander of the UPDF Mountain Division and Operation Shujaa, is Mwenda’s brother.

According to Section 119 (1) of the UPDF Act 2005, any person who is not otherwise subject to military law and is found in unlawful possession of (equipment normally monopolized by the Defence Forces and other classified stores as prescribed) is subject to military law and can be tried in military courts.