The Committee on Rules, Privileges, and Discipline has put forward stringent recommendations regarding the attire of Members of Parliament (MPs).
During the plenary session on Wednesday, 5 February 2025, the committee’s report was presented by its chairperson, Hon. Abdu Katuntu. The report also took a firm stance on the dress code for Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) representatives in Parliament.
The committee noted that it is inappropriate for MPs representing the armed forces to wear combat uniforms during parliamentary sessions, as such attire symbolizes a battlefield setting.
“The committee, therefore, discourages the practice of wearing combat uniforms in parliamentary proceedings,” Katuntu stated.
In a dissenting opinion, Hon. Aisha Kabanda (NUP, Butambala District Woman Representative) advocated for the complete exclusion of military attire from the parliamentary dress code. She argued that wearing military uniforms could compromise independent judgment due to the hierarchical nature of military command and control.
“Military attire is often perceived as intimidating, as many associate it with actions carried out by uniformed personnel. Such clothing does not create a welcoming atmosphere in the people’s Parliament,” Kabanda remarked.
Similarly, the committee supported a proposal by Hon. Charles Ayume (NRM, Koboko Municipality) to classify the ‘Mandela shirt’ as unsuitable for parliamentary sessions, noting that male legislators frequently wear it under the guise of traditional attire.
“A pair of long trousers with a jacket, a kanzu and jacket, a safari suit, and other traditional attire should be omitted from the dress code regulations. The only permissible dress for male MPs should be a suit, shirt, and tie. This will uphold decorum and ensure uniformity in parliamentary attire,” Katuntu, also the MP for Bugweri County, stated.
However, Kabanda recommended that the kanzu and jacket be retained as acceptable attire for male legislators, emphasizing its global recognition.
The committee also endorsed a suggestion by Hon. Sarah Opendi (NRM, Tororo District Woman Representative) to incorporate the word ‘decent’ into the Rules of Procedure to define appropriate dressing for female MPs.
“Regarding traditional attire for female members, the committee acknowledges that some garments, such as the gomesi, are not indecent. However, Uganda lacks a standardized traditional dress code, making enforcement challenging. To maintain consistency, the committee recommends the exclusion of all forms of traditional attire,” Katuntu explained.
Kabanda further proposed that the hijab be explicitly recognized in the rules as an acceptable form of attire for female MPs.
Additionally, the committee suggested that the Rules of Procedure should explicitly require reports from parliamentary committees to include a list of members who signed the majority and minority reports, those who abstained, and those who neither signed nor abstained. Katuntu highlighted that some committee members fail to sign reports, which effectively removes them from the decision-making process.
“A member who wishes to abstain should formally declare their decision so that it is recorded in the committee’s minutes and report. This will promote accountability and reinforce the principle of collective responsibility in committee decisions,” he stated.
The committee upheld the policy allowing accredited journalists to access the parliamentary gallery with electronic devices for recording and reporting proceedings.
Katuntu also proposed the removal of Clause 233(8) of the Rules, which permits non-accredited journalists to access the Chamber’s premises.
“This measure ensures that only accredited press members are allowed in the press gallery. Furthermore, accredited journalists and media personnel must adhere to Appendix G of the rules,” he added.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa encouraged MPs to thoroughly review the report’s recommendations, emphasizing that they would serve as the foundation for extensive discussions in the next plenary session.
“This is a comprehensive revision of the rules. We have over 100 pages in this report, and these regulations are crucial for the effective execution of our duties. I urge you to take time to study them,” Tayebwa stated.
