Backlash after ban on 'indecent' dress code

Dresses and skirts above the knees and hair extension are among the banned for women

CIVIL SERVICE | DRESS CODE

KAMPALA - The decision to slap a ban on some dress styles of public servants by government has drawn angry reactions, with some people saying the move borders on limiting freedoms of individuals in a democratic country.

Former Cranes [and now retired] footballer David Obua led the condemnations for the move that has become fodder for public ridicule and has since featured on a number of international media, including BBC.

Under the new rules, wearing brightly coloured trousers and open shoes for men is now a no-no.

It is also now criminal for women to appear at the work place in sleeveless tops and in tight-fitting dresses and skirts.

Obua said the ban would kill the diversity and multiculturalism that happens when people are allowed freedom to dress according to their choices. 

"Ohhh u ministry [of public service] and whoever heads it, just shut up," he Twitted.

Also on Twitter, Morrison Rwakakamba, the former presidential advisor on research, said government's move is archaic and should be stopped.  "This is colonial legacy entrapment! Focus on skills and ingenuity."

Another user, Topdizzle Bigmack, said the dress code ban is a distraction from the government's key priorities.  

"Doesn't the Ugandan government have better things to focus on than this? Let people live their lives," he said.

On his part, Muwonge B. Kusasira said priorities for government should be "ending corruption and feeding the starving population in the north and east of Uganda" and not policing civil servants on what they should wear to work.

Juddie Katenda, however, decided to lay blame on Fr. Simon Lokodo (minister for ethics). "He must be behind the unpopular move." 

While Billy crowned it off sarcastically on his Facebook wall: "Maybe [the ban is] to save men from what is under the skirt while on duty," he said.
 
The ban 

Government says the strict dress code is intended to check rising cases of indecent clothing at the work place.

Justifying the guidelines, a statement signed by Public service permanent secretary Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwiire said: "Paragraph 4 [of Section F-J of the Public Service Standing Order 2010] stipulates that at a public officer is required to dress decently and in a manner generally acceptable in the Uganda community.

"It has however been observed that public officers have continued to dress in a manner that does not portray a good image of the service and does not fall within the general acceptable standards of the community."

Outlawed for women

• Tinted or bright coloured hair, braids and hair extension

• Flat shoes (except under medical prescription)

• Blouses that expose cleavage

• Some accessories like chandelier earrings

• Dresses and skirts above the knees

• Long nails with more than three centre metres, bright nail polish or multicolored nails

• Too much make up

Outlawed for men

• Tight fitting trousers

• Open shoes (except under medical prescription)

• Anything other than black or shoes is not allowed