The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has introduced a logo for each of the seven divisions making up the Ugandan army.
This is contained in the gazette signed and confirmed by the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Adolf Mwesigye dated September 18, 2019 in which the Uganda People’s Defence Forces’ marks, accessories, insignia, decoration and uniform as provided for under section 160 of the UPDF Act 2005 were explained.
The army spokesperson, Brig, Richard Karemire confirmed the development, saying the gazette manifests the commitment to define identity and outlook of a professional army as well as adhering to the EAC protocols.
“The UPDF High Command and Defence Forces Council welcomed the conclusion of the process that the Dress Committee started in 1996. The standardization of the dress code no doubt is a step forward in the modernization and professionalization of the UPDF, ”Brig. Karemire said.
“It will be a vital tool in identifying the different forces while enforcing command and control. Gazetting will further act as a deterrence to unauthorized use and access. From a regional perspective, as we integrate, standardization of dress code brings the UPDF closer in harmony with other armed forces of the EAC partner states.”
The army divisions that soldiers belong to, according to the gazette will be differentiated by the logo on the uniform donned by the respective officers.
The first division headquartered at Kakiri in Wakiso district will have a logo with a gun and boot with a green background on its lower part whereas the second infantry division with headquarters at Makenke barracks in Mbarara will have a gun, hoe, cow and a book, arguably a Bible sitting on an entirely white background as its logo.
The logo for the third infantry division located in Moroto, the logo will have pictures of a book(Bible)gun and mountains to symbolize the Moroto Mountains where it is located and on white background with olive branches on the sides.
The logo for the fourth division headquartered in Gulu will on the other side have the head of a leopard with a green and blue background with olive branches on either side whereas the fifth infantry division housed in Acholi Pi will have a gun, drum, two spears and an ostrich.
Ostriches are commonly found in Northern Uganda.
The Field Artillery division found in Masindi will have a photo of an artillery gun on a wheel with “gunners determine the end state” as the motto on its logo.
The Mountain division located in Kasese, will have a picture of an eagle soaring high above a mountain with a blue and white background denoting the sky.
“We scale the heights”, will be the motto of the mountain division according to the notice in the new gazette for the UPDF.
