By Okello E. Moses and Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party has joined other critics in opposing a parliamentary committee’s proposals that would ban MPs from wearing cultural attire and restrict military uniforms during parliamentary proceedings. Last week on Wednesday, the Parliamentary Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline led by Hon. Abdu Katuntu, proposed for a strict dress code for Members of Parliament.
According to the majority report, the committee proposes banning traditional garments—such as the Gomesi for women, Kanzus for men, Mandela’s shirt commonly known as Sitenge / Kitenge, and Hijabs for female Muslim parliamentarians during parliamentary proceedings. In addition, the report recommends that representatives of the UPDF cease wearing combat uniforms in the House, arguing that such attire is inappropriate and carries connotations of a battlefield.
“The committee, therefore, discourages the practice of wearing combat uniforms during parliamentary proceedings,” Katuntu said.
He added that for male MPs, the only acceptable attire should be a suit, shirt, and tie to ensure consistency and uphold decorum. The committee further suggested that items like long trousers with a jacket, kanzu with a jacket, safari suit, and decent traditional wear be removed from the acceptable dress code.
Opponents argue that the proposed changes would strip MPs of their cultural identity. Responding to a question by Parrots Media journalist during a press conference at Uganda House Kampala, UPC spokesperson Sharon Oyat Arach stated that banning cultural attire deprives parliamentarians of their right to express their heritage.
“Uganda is a land of diversity, and every tribe has its own cultural wears and identity. These are not only a part of the MPs’ personal heritage but also represent the people and cultures they serve,” she said.
Arach warned that such restrictions could amount to the dismantling of cultural institutions and traditional leadership, which she says undermines the country’s rich diversity.
Frank Tuumeebaze l, minister of agriculture, animal industry and fisheries in Uganda wearing a Sitenge also known as Mandela’s shirt.
“I don’t think that is a good idea and they (MPs) should not even dare to touch the dress code. Let people exercise their diversity and cultural entities as long as it doesn’t infringe on any other person’s rights,” she added.
The debate on the proposed ban of traditional wears has continued to spark spark strong opposition from members of culturally rooted communities, particularly within Buganda, who argue that traditional attire such as the Kanzu and Gomesi are vital to preserving their heritage.
The Butambala Woman MP, Hon. Aisha Kabanda who presented a minority report on the floor of parliamentarian proposed that the kanzu and jacket for male legislators be retained in the parliamentary dress code, noting that it is internationally recognised attire.
Parliament is expected to convene and debate this issue later this week.
