KAMPALA, UGANDA — A group of Ugandan Members of Parliament (MPs), including Igara East legislator Michael Mawanda, has backed proposed revisions to the parliamentary dress code.
The proposed changes stem from recommendations by the Committee on Rules, Privileges, and Discipline, which seeks to tighten regulations on MPs’ attire during parliamentary sessions.
Presenting the committee’s report, Chairperson Abdul Katuntu highlighted concerns over traditional clothing, such as the gomesi and kanzu, being misused to conceal inappropriate outfits. The committee further emphasized that MPs representing the armed forces should refrain from wearing combat uniforms in the chamber, as such attire creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a battlefield.
MP Michael Mawanda voiced his support for the recommendations, arguing that some lawmakers have taken advantage of the existing dress code, necessitating stricter enforcement.
“It is important that we really put on as Members of Parliament with dignity because in our earlier roles, the traditional wear was allowed in Parliament but people have used that as an excuse to simply put on the way they want,” Mawanda said.
He pointed out that the Speaker, as the presiding officer, often struggles to distinguish between MPs wearing traditional attire and those using it to bypass the dress code regulations.
While presenting a minority report, Hon. Aisha Kabanda (NUP, Butambala District Woman Representative), proposed the exclusion of military attire from Parliamentary dress code, noting that it would hinder the wearer from independent judgement due to the command-and-control doctrine associated with the military.
“Military attire is also often perceived as intimidating, as many people associate it with actions carried out by those in uniform. Such attire does not foster a conducive environment in the people’s Parliament,” Kabanda said.
Relatedly, the committee agreed with a proposal by Hon. Charles Ayume (NRM, Koboko Municipality), to classify the ‘Mandela shirt’ as inappropriate wear for parliamentary proceedings, noting that male legislators have often worn it under the pretext of being traditional wear.
“A pair of long trousers with a jacket, kanzu and jacket, safari suit and decent traditional wear should be removed from the rules. The only acceptable dress code for male members should be a suit, shirt and tie. This will uphold decorum and ensure consistency and uniformity in the dress code for male members of Parliament,” Katuntu, also Bugweri County MP, said.
Kabanda, however, suggested that male legislators be allowed to continue wearing the kanzu paired with a jacket, arguing that it is internationally recognized formal attire.
Additionally, the committee endorsed a proposal by Hon. Sarah Opendi (NRM, Tororo District Woman Representative) to incorporate the term “decent” into the Rules of Procedure. This amendment aims to provide clearer guidelines on appropriate dressing, particularly for female MPs.
“Regarding traditional attıre for female members, the committee acknowledges that some forms of traditional wear such as the ‘gomesi’, are not indecent.
Katuntu pointed out that Uganda does not have a standardized traditional attire, making it difficult to enforce a consistent dress code. To address this challenge, the committee has recommended the exclusion of all forms of traditional wear from parliamentary sessions.
Meanwhile, Kabanda proposed that the hijab be explicitly recognized in the rules as an acceptable form of attire for female MPs.
Additionally, the committee report includes a recommendation to amend the Rules of Procedure to require committee reports to list members who signed majority and minority reports, those who abstained, and those who neither signed nor abstained.
Katuntu noted that some committee members have previously failed to sign reports, effectively excluding themselves 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 a sense of accountability and reinforce the principle of collective responsibility in decision making of committees,” he said.
The committee maintained that journalists accredited to cover Parliament can access the gallery with their electronic devices for the purpose of recording and coverage of proceedings of the House.
Katuntu also highlighted a proposal for the deletion of clause 233(8) of the Rules that allows any other press persons besides those accredited, to access the precincts of the Chamber.
“This will ensure that only accredited members of the press are allowed in the press gallery. Additionally, the rules should require accredited members of the press or media admitted to the press gallery to comply with Appendix G of the rules,” he added.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa encouraged legislators to thoroughly review the report’s provisions, emphasizing that it will serve as a foundation for in-depth discussions during next week’s plenary session.
“This is a complete overhaul of the rules. We have 100-plus pages of the report and these rules are critical for the execution and performance of our duties. I want you to take your time to read it,” said Tayebwa.
