Uganda public servants Face Strict dress Code

Public servants in Uganda, a conservative society, are facing a strict dress code after the government issued a circular warning them to dress decently. After receiving several complaints on the mode of dressing of Uganda public servants, the country decided to enforce a Public Service Standing Order on dress code, put in place in 2010 but which was not enforced.

The guidelines, issued by the Ministry of Public Service apply to all non-uniformed civil servants. But there is a feeling that female staffs are the main focus on the new rules even though there are rules too for the men. Here are some of the guidelines:

For Male officers:
1. Neat trousers
2. Long-sleeved shirts, jacket and a tie.
3. No open shoes (except on health grounds/recommendation).
4. Hair well-groomed and kept short.
5. Loose fitting trousers
6. No brightly coloured clothes.

For Female officers:
1. Skirt or dress that is not above the knees, with a smart long or short sleeved blouse.
2. No sleeveless, transparent blouses and dresses
3. Clothing must cover up cleavage, navel, knees and back.
4. No bright coloured hair in form of natural hair, braids and hair extensions.
5. Neutral polished and well groomed nails, not long nails with more than 3cms (1.5in), bright nail polish or multi-coloured nail polish
6.Simple facial make-up simple
7. Modest accessories
8. Women will be allowed to wear pant-suits
9. Flat, open shoes are ruled out, except in cases where one can prove that it is for medical reasons.

According to the Ministry of Public Service’s director of Human Resources, Adah Muwanga, “We were approached with complaints that, specifically lady officers, were dressing in an unacceptable manner. The ministry has the overall responsibility to guide on the administration and management of the public service and this is how we want the public to view us. She added that staff failing to comply will be disciplined.