Leading designer jailed over 'army' attire

An internationally acclaimed fashion designer could face up to seven years in prison in Uganda if convicted for being in possession of army uniforms. News24 reports that Uatif Madoi, who once dressed the late South African reggae icon Lucky Dube, has been in prison for more than a month. Some of his notable clients were late Jamaican reggae artist Peter Morgan, as well as Ugandan pop artists Jose Chameleone and Bebe Cool. His lawyer, George Musisi, said the authorities wanted to ‘create fear’ and ‘intimidation’ among supporters of opposition leader Bobi Wine. The lawmaker, who lost the 2021 presidential contest to Yoweri Museveni, and his band are among Madoi's clients, and Musisi said he believed that was why his client was in trouble. A documentary about Wine's political efforts, titled Bobi Wine: The People’s President, was nominated for an Oscar this year. Wine has said he was likely to run for President again in 2026. Wine made a red beret his signature look, but after he announced his presidential ambitions in 2019, it was outlawed on the basis it was reserved for the armed forces. Police said investigating such attire led them to a fashion academy, where they found Madoi in possession of army contraband, including an army raincoat, five army bags, and two army headdresses. He was charged with possession of government equipment.