Bobi Wine Urges Defence of Citizens Attacked for Carrying Flag

Bobi Wine has defended his call for citizens to protect people attacked for carrying the national flag, after police warned that the use of the flag is regulated by law and may require government authorisation.

In a New Year address delivered at the National Unity Platform (NUP) headquarters in Makerere-Kavule, Bobi Wine said the Uganda flag had become a symbol of resistance along the opposition’s “protest vote” campaign trail ahead of the 2026 general elections.

He urged citizens to “come to the defence of anyone assaulted for carrying the flag”, saying self-defence was justified where people faced violence.

“Our struggle remains non-violent, but there is no dignity in taking an unfair beating lying down if we can defend ourselves against it,” Bobi Wine said, adding that the constitution permits citizens to take action in defence of their rights.

His remarks followed a public clarification by the Uganda Police Force, which warned against what it described as misuse of the national flag.

Police said the use of the Uganda national flag is regulated under the National Flag and Armorial Ensigns Act and that anyone wishing to use it must first obtain permission from the minister of justice and constitutional affairs.

“The law specifically prohibits any person from using the national flag or armorial ensigns in a way that may mislead the public into believing such use is officially authorised, without the minister’s consent,” police said, adding that offenders risk fines or imprisonment upon conviction.

Police said there were growing public concerns about the misuse of the flag and warned that ignorance of the law does not excuse violations.

Opposition figures have accused security agencies of targeting supporters displaying the flag during political activities, while the government says enforcement of the law is necessary to maintain public order.

A security official identified as Major Kuteesa recently said flag-bearers’ homes would be smashed, remarks that triggered a heated public debate on the role of security in the 2026 general elections.

Uganda is expected to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on January 15, 2026.

Bobi Wine, a former pop star whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, finished second in the 2021 presidential election, which he said was marred by irregularities. The government rejected those claims.