Police have cautioned the public against the improper use of the Uganda national flag, urging citizens to respect national symbols and comply with existing laws regulating their display.
Speaking to journalists at Police Headquarters in Naguru on Monday, Police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke said that while enforcement is important, public education remains critical, noting that many citizens are unaware of the dos and don’ts governing the use of the national flag.
“There is a law that guides the use of the national flag and other armorial ensigns, namely the National Flag and Armorial Ensigns Act. People should be aware that the law exists and that there are clear dos and don’ts. Anyone wishing to use the flag should read the law online. It requires prior permission from the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs,” ACP Rusoke said.
He explained that government institutions strictly follow procedures for handling the national flag, including raising it in the morning and lowering it in the evening to prevent damage. However, he noted that some members of the public have been using the flag inappropriately, including hanging it on electric poles or using it for personal and political purposes.
“We have observed several inappropriate uses. Some people have even hung the national flag on utility poles. First of all, whether they had the right to climb those poles is another issue. The key point is that the flag must be respected as a national symbol,” he said.
ACP Rusoke emphasized that the Police are currently prioritizing public education over immediate arrests, particularly in politically charged environments where excitement may lead to misuse of national symbols.
“It is not just about arresting people for controversial use. Our appeal is that people should know the law and respect national symbols. If there is any doubt as to whether the law has been broken, the law is publicly available online for reference,” he added.
Police continue to urge all citizens to adhere to the guidelines set out in the National Flag and Armorial Ensigns Act to ensure that the flag is used appropriately and with due respect at all times.
