Parliament has banned Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) representatives from wearing combat uniforms while in the House, permitting only the UPDF’s official ceremonial attire.
The decision, made during a plenary session on Monday, follows an amendment to the parliamentary Rules of Procedure, which govern the conduct and decorum of Members of Parliament while handling national matters.
In a broader crackdown on dress code, the House has also prohibited all non-formal attire, with exceptions made for traditional Ugandan wear such as the gomesi and kanzu, as well as the hijab for Muslim MPs. However, this move sparked debate, with some legislators questioning how they can maintain their African heritage within the new restrictions. A minority report on the Rules of Procedure proposed that army representatives in Parliament should transition to civilian suits or other acceptable formal wear.
Beyond dress code changes, Parliament has also revised Rule 72 to regulate behaviour within the House more strictly. The new amendment mandates that any concerns about the President’s actions must be introduced through a formal motion, making it disorderly for MPs to accuse the President of improper motives during discussions.
Additionally, there are fresh proposals to impose sanctions, including expulsion from parliamentary premises, on MPs who defy the Speaker’s rulings or disrupt proceedings.
Meanwhile, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among raised objections over a proposed limitation to her authority. The new proposal would automatically grant MPs the right to seek clarification or provide information on the floor, provided that similar requests have been made three times. The Speaker argued that such a measure would undermine her ability to maintain order and effectively manage parliamentary sessions.
