Times Opinion: Commissioner Hellen Seku, the Law Does Not Back Your Warning

By Isa Kato

Commissioner Hellen Seku’s warning against NUP supporters over the use of the national flag is not supported by the law and risks politicising a national symbol. Her statements suggest she is acting less as a neutral officer and more as an NRM mobiliser.

 

The National Flag and Armorial Ensigns Act (Cap. 254) is very clear.

It criminalises intentional disrespect, ridicule, desecration or unauthorised commercial use of the national flag. It does not criminalise citizens for waving or displaying the flag at a political rally simply because of who they support.

 

If a flag is not torn, burnt, mocked, or used for business, no offence is committed under this Act. There is no section of the law that gives a Commissioner or Minister authority to decide which political supporters may display the national flag and which ones may not.

 

Further, Article 8A of the Constitution recognises national symbols as belonging to the people of Uganda. They are not government property and not party tools.

 

When warnings are publicly directed at one political group while similar conduct by others is tolerated, that is selective enforcement, not protection of the law. That approach turns the flag into a political weapon instead of a unifying symbol.

 

Patriotism is not licensed by the State. A Ugandan holding the national flag is asserting citizenship, not committing an offence.

 

If the intention is to protect the dignity of the flag, then apply the law equally and educate the public on proper use.

If not, stop hiding behind the law to intimidate political expression.

 

The national flag belongs to all Ugandans including those in opposition. 🇺🇬

 

The Author is a Ugandan Patriot 

 

The Flag is Mine 🇺🇬🇺🇬🇺🇬🇺🇬🇺🇬🇺🇬🇺🇬🇺🇬🇺🇬🇺🇬🇺🇬🇺🇬🇺🇬🇺🇬