In a recent statement, the former leader of Opposition in Parliament Mathias Mpuuga voiced his concerns regarding the misuse of red berets by supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) .
During the memorial service of the late Frank Ssenteza in Masaka, Mpuuga emphasized the concern and made his remarks shedding light on the need for responsible and respectful use of political symbols.
In his statement, he expressed his disappointment with the manner in which these political symbols are being employed.
“The misappropriation of the beret has resulted in unwarranted abuse and criticism, as people mistakenly believe the information originates from party leadership, which is entirely false,” Mpuuga emphasised.
The red beret has become an iconic symbol associated with the NUP, representing the party’s commitment to advocating for change and challenging the status quo.
However, Mpuuga highlighted instances where the berets have been misused, tarnishing the intended meaning behind the symbol.
He criticized the actions of some NUP supporters who have used the berets to engage in acts of violence, intimidation, or other forms of misconduct.
Mpuuga stressed that the red beret should be a symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful resistance rather than a tool for promoting chaos or inciting division. He called upon NUP supporters to uphold the values of the party and utilize the berets as a means of peaceful expression and constructive engagement.
Furthermore, Mpuuga appealed to the leadership of the NUP to take proactive measures in educating their supporters about the significance and appropriate use of the red berets.
He recommended organizing workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns to promote responsible behavior among party members and discourage any form of misconduct associated with the symbol.
In response to Mpuuga’s criticism, NUP leaders expressed their willingness to address the issue. They acknowledged the importance of responsible symbol usage and pledged to work towards instilling a sense of discipline and respect within their supporter base.
The party leaders emphasized that the misuse of the red beret goes against the core principles of the NUP and vowed to take disciplinary action against any member found engaging in misconduct.
Mpuuga’s critique of NUP supporters regarding the misuse of red berets highlights the significance of responsible symbol usage in the political sphere.
The red beret, as an emblem of the party, should represent unity, resilience, and peaceful resistance. It is essential for NUP supporters to recognize and uphold these values.
By addressing this issue promptly and promoting responsible behavior, the NUP can preserve the integrity of their symbol and foster a culture of respect within their supporter base.