Parliament of Uganda has officially banned Members of Parliament (MPs) representing the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) from wearing combat uniforms while in the House.
The new directive is part of the revised Rules of Procedure of Parliament, passed on 13th February 2025, in an effort to enforce parliamentary dignity and distinguish military representation from active-duty service.
The move has sparked mixed reactions, with some legislators applauding it as a step towards reinforcing the separation of military and civilian governance, while others argue that it undermines the identity of UPDF representatives.
The affected MPs, who are nominated by the President under the Special Interest Groups (SIGs) provision, have traditionally worn their official military attire during parliamentary proceedings, a practice that has now been deemed inappropriate for a legislative setting.
Opposition argue that allowing uniformed officers in Parliament blurs the line between military and civilian authority, potentially influencing debates and decision-making processes.
On the other hand, army officers believe that stripping UPDF MPs of their uniforms erodes their distinct identity and diminishes their role as representatives of the armed forces.
The amendment is expected to take effect immediately, requiring military MPs to wear formal civilian attire while attending parliamentary sessions.
This decision aligns Uganda with global democratic norms, where military representatives in legislative bodies are typically required to adhere to civilian dress codes.
