POLICE, LAWYERS URGE GOVERNMENT TO PROMOTE NATIONAL FLAG RESPECT

The photo of the Uganda national flag, one of the national symbols enshrined in the Uganda National Flag and Armorial Ensigns Act, Chapter 172, of the 1995 constitution – Photo by Morish Dramadri

By Morish Dramadri – Arua city

Legal professionals in Arua City have urged the government to intensify public sensitization on the National Flag and Armorial Ensigns Act, which governs the proper use and respect of Uganda’s national flag and other official symbols. The call follows growing concerns over the misuse of the national flag across the country.

The Uganda National Flag and Armorial Ensigns Act, Chapter 172, regulates the use of the national flag and armorial ensigns, restricting certain uses without ministerial authorization. However, observations across Uganda suggest that many people display the national flag on vehicles and machinery without observing the standards of respect required under the law.

Counsel Hadad Salim, an advocate of the High Court, attributes the misuse of the national flag to limited public awareness of the law. He has called for deliberate government efforts to educate citizens on the proper handling of the flag and respect for other national symbols.

“The National Flag and Armorial Ensigns Act provides guidance on how the flag should be handled. When the flag is being raised, people must stand up. You cannot fold it like ordinary clothes, allow it to touch the ground, throw it down or step on it. These actions show disrespect for the national symbol. The government must deliberately sensitize people about this law, teach them how to handle the flag, and promote respect for the national anthem and the coat of arms,” Counsel Hadad said.

Under the Act, a person who contravenes the relevant provisions commits an offence and, upon conviction, is liable to a fine not exceeding one thousand shillings, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.

Despite public warnings by the police and military against the unauthorized display and misuse of the national flag, legal professionals say enforcement remains a concern. There are reportedly no publicly available records of convictions related to such offences in the past ten years.

SSP Richard Anyama, the Deputy Regional Police Commander for West Nile, says some provisions of the existing law may no longer be effective in deterring violations. He has called on lawmakers to review the legislation and introduce tougher penalties to promote respect for Uganda’s national symbols.

“Some of these laws are obsolete; they are not biting. Maybe, at an appropriate time, lawmakers should pass a more stringent law to ensure that these things are really respected,” SSP Anyama said.

Common practices raising concern include leaving national flags flying on utility poles overnight and extensively using the flag during political campaigns without the required written ministerial authorization. Legal professionals say greater public awareness, coupled with effective enforcement, could help curb these practices and promote respect for Uganda’s national symbols.

Written by newsroom-radiopacis