Uganda has banned television stations from hosting politicians wearing red berets, a signature headgear worn by opposition members affiliated to the People Power movement.
The East African nation had last year banned civilians from wearing red berets saying it was an army clothing, but the move was seen as a way of curtailing activities of popular opposition politician Bobi Wine, the founder of the People Power movement.
Bobi Wine, 38, has declared his ambitions to run for the presidency against President Yoweri Museveni, 76, who is going for a sixth term in next year’s election.
In a Tuesday meeting, government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo warned that TV stations that host guests wearing the red berets would be prosecuted.
“It is illegal to use the beret. Those who are found culpable will be arrested,” Opondo said in a meeting with the National Association for Broadcasters (NAB), Daily Monitor newspaper reports.
At the meeting, media owners asked the government officials to ensure the safety of journalists and not to interfere with their work.