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Members of Parliament attending the plenary sitting on Wednesday, 05 February 2025
The Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline has made strict proposals for the dress code of Members of Parliament (MPs).
Presented by the chairperson, Hon. Abdu Katuntu, during the plenary sitting on Wednesday, 05 February 2025, the report also came tough on the dress code for UPDF representatives in the House.
The committee observed that it is inappropriate for MPs representing the armed forces to wear combat uniforms while attending Parliamentary proceedings, noting that such attire carries the connotation of a battlefield.
“The committee, therefore, discourages the practice of wearing combat uniforms during parliamentary proceedings,” Katuntu said.
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, proposed that the kanzu and jacket for male legislators be retained in the parliamentary dress code, noting that it is internationally recognised attire.
The committee also agreed with a proposal by Hon. Sarah Opendi (NRM, Tororo District Woman Representative), to include the word ‘decent’ among the Rules of Procedure, for proper definition of the term and adherence to female dress code provisions.
“Regarding traditional attıre for female members, the committee acknowledges that some forms of traditional wear such as the ‘gomesi’, are not indecent.
However, Uganda lacks a uniform traditional attire, making it challenging to enforce consistent dress code standards. To ensure uniformity, the committee recommends excluding all forms of traditional wear,” Katuntu noted.
Kabanda also proposed that the Hijab be explicitly included in the rules, as an acceptable form of attire for female Members of Parliament.
Among other recommendations of the committee report is for the Rules of Procedure to explicitly require a committee report to include a list of members who signed majority and minority reports, those who abstained from signing, and those who neither signed nor abstained.
According to Katuntu, there have been instances where some members of committees fail to sign reports, which he said effectively excludes them from the decision making process of the committee.
“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.
The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, urged legislators to understudy the provisions of the report, which he said will provide a basis for extensive debate in next week’s plenary proceedings.
“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.
Source:Parliament of Uganda