Parliament Amends Rules to Ban Kanzus, Kaunda Suits in the House

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 the report also came with tough rules 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 also 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. Accoriding to Katuntu This will uphold decorum and ensure consistency and uniformity in the dress code for male members of Parliament.

Regarding traditional attıre for female members, the committee acknowledged that some forms of traditional wear such as the ‘gomesi’, are decent enough.

While presenting a minority report, Hon. Aisha Kabanda (NUP, Butambala District Woman Representative), proposed that the kanzu and jacket for male legislators be retained in the parliamentary dress code, noting that it is internationally recognised attire.

Kabanda also proposed that the Hijab be explicitly included in the rules, as an acceptable form of attire for female Members of Parliament.