Joseph Isangura
A 22-year-old man from Sengerema, Mwanza, has been sentenced to six months in prison after being found guilty of wearing a Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) uniform without authorization.
The ruling, delivered by Senior Resident Magistrate Evodius Kisoka, came after Rajabu Reli admitted to the offense in a case that has sparked conversation in the local community.
The prosecution, led by state attorney Nyamhanga Tissoro, informed the court that Rajabu was apprehended on December 5, 2024, in Kasisa village, Sengerema District, while unlawfully dressed in military attire. His actions violated Section 178(1) of the Penal Code, which prohibits civilians from wearing military uniforms without the express permission of the President.
Appearing before the court on January 7, 2025, Rajabu faced the charge of impersonating a soldier. The court heard how he had worn the uniform with the intent of impressing his fiancée, a decision he now deeply regrets.
During the trial, the magistrate ruled that the evidence presented by the prosecution was strong and irrefutable. When asked to defend himself and explain why he should be spared a harsh sentence, Rajabu pleaded for leniency, saying it was his first offense.
“Your Honor, I humbly ask for forgiveness. This was my first mistake. I only wore the uniform to show my fiancée that I am a soldier, hoping she wouldn’t reject me,” Rajabu explained.
Despite his plea, Magistrate Kisoka emphasized the seriousness of the offense, stating that wearing a military uniform without authorization undermines the integrity of the armed forces. The magistrate dismissed Rajabu’s defense, ruling that a custodial sentence was necessary to deter others from committing similar acts.
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“This judgment is not just about you, but about sending a message to others who might think of engaging in such actions,” the magistrate said.
Rajabu’s sentencing has become a topic of discussion in Sengerema, with some expressing sympathy for his situation while others applaud the court’s firm stance on maintaining the sanctity of military symbols.
The case underscores the importance of respecting the laws surrounding the use of military uniforms, which symbolize national security and honor, and are reserved strictly for members of the armed forces.
