Parliamentary Committee Proposes Stricter Dress Code for MPs

By uziah Tusaasire

The Committee on Rules, Privileges, and Discipline has proposed stringent guidelines on the dress code for Members of Parliament (MPs), including UPDF representatives.

Presenting the report during the plenary sitting on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, committee chairperson Hon. Abdu Katuntu emphasized that it is inappropriate for MPs representing the armed forces to wear combat uniforms in Parliament. The committee noted that such attire carries the connotation of a battlefield.

“The committee, therefore, discourages the practice of wearing combat uniforms during parliamentary proceedings,” Katuntu stated.

Hon. Aisha Kabanda (NUP, Butambala District Woman Representative), in a minority report, argued that military attire should be completely excluded from the parliamentary dress code. She noted that such attire could hinder independent judgment due to the military’s command-and-control doctrine and could also be perceived as intimidating.

“Military attire is often associated with actions carried out by those in uniform and does not foster a conducive environment in the people’s Parliament,” Kabanda said.

Male MPs’ Dress Code

The committee also agreed with Hon. Charles Ayume (NRM, Koboko Municipality) that the ‘Mandela shirt’ should be classified as inappropriate attire for parliamentary proceedings, as some male legislators have worn it under the guise of traditional wear.

Katuntu emphasized that the only acceptable dress code for male MPs should be a suit, shirt, and tie. He proposed removing long trousers with jackets, kanzus with jackets, safari suits, and other traditional wear from the rules to ensure uniformity.

However, Kabanda opposed this recommendation, arguing that the kanzu and jacket should remain part of the parliamentary dress code as they are internationally recognized attire.

Female MPs’ Dress Code

Hon. Sarah Opendi (NRM, Tororo District Woman Representative) suggested including the word ‘decent’ in the rules to provide a clear definition of appropriate female attire.

Katuntu acknowledged that some forms of traditional wear, such as the ‘gomesi,’ are not indecent. However, he argued that Uganda lacks a standard traditional attire, making it difficult to enforce consistent dress code standards. The committee, therefore, recommended excluding all forms of traditional wear for female MPs.

Kabanda further proposed that the hijab be explicitly recognized in the rules as acceptable attire for female MPs.

Other Key Recommendations

The committee proposed that committee reports explicitly include a list of members who signed majority and minority reports, those who abstained, and those who neither signed nor abstained.

Katuntu noted that some committee members fail to sign reports, effectively excluding them from the decision-making process.

“A Member wishing to abstain should make their decision known so that it is recorded in the committee’s minutes and report. This will foster accountability and reinforce the principle of collective responsibility,” he said.

Additionally, the committee maintained that accredited journalists covering Parliament should be allowed to access the gallery with electronic devices to record and report on proceedings. However, it recommended deleting clause 233(8) of the Rules, which allows non-accredited press personnel to access the parliamentary precincts.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa urged MPs to study the report thoroughly before next week’s plenary debate, emphasizing its significance.

“This is a complete overhaul of the rules. We have over 100 pages to review, and these rules are critical to the execution of our duties. Take your time to read them,” Tayebwa said.

Written by Editor