MP Frank Tumwebaze Challenges Parliament Dress Code, Pushes for African Attire

[Eronda]

Kibale East Member of Parliament and Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Frank K. Tumwebaze, has formally presented a memorandum to Parliament’s Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline seeking to overhaul Rule 88 of the Rules of Procedure governing the dress code for legislators.

Appearing before the committee chaired by Fredrick Ruhindi, Tumwebaze made an impassioned case for moving away from what he described as a rigid, single-standard Western attire requirement, particularly the business suit, tie and tucked-in shirt.

He argued that Parliament should recognise a broader range of African attire that reflects cultural identity, spiritual convictions and Uganda’s environmental conditions.

Tumwebaze’s petition comes in the wake of recent debates on the floor of Parliament, where opposition lawmakers raised points of order against MPs wearing Kaunda suits, arguing that the attire violated parliamentary decorum.

However, the presiding Speaker ruled in favour of allowing African formal wear, prompting Tumwebaze to push for its institutionalisation through an amendment to the Rules of Procedure.

In his memorandum, the minister challenged the notion that Western attire should be regarded as the sole benchmark for professionalism in Parliament.
Source:Nile Post

 

[Kinyungu]

Poor MP! Before challenging the dress code in Parliament, he should first challenge the entire parliamentary system itself, since it is not African in origin at all.
Eronda