By Elsie Tukahirwa
Uganda Christian University (UCU) students have apreciated the university policy on dress code. When a student enrolls at UCU during their first year, they agree to follow the institution’s standards, though it is unclear whether these restrictions, particularly the dress code, are actually followed.
Christie Asiimwe, a student of the School of Education said that the UCU dress code portrays the Christian identity of the university; there are certain seasons where it is emphasised and not.
“There was a time Rev. Simon Peter Ddamba Anatoli used to stand at the main gate together with the security guards every morning, sending back students who were poorly dressed to their hostels to change, which helped so much,” said Asiimwe.
Said Lameiga, a final year student of Social Work and Social Administration stressed the fact that the dress code had been in effect before the pandemic, but then after it fell gradually, “maybe the enforcements at the gate became low because nowadays females put on short dresses and males wear damaged trousers, and it paints a bad picture since it can lead to sexual harassment,” he said.
Boaz Nassasira, a student at the School of Law, said that the security guards have maintained this because he recently saw a student being chased away from the main gate because of that issue.
Proscovia Hope Adongo, a student at the School of Law, said that the security guards have to be encouraged by the school administration to continue chasing away students who are indecently dressed.
Dean Natukunda, a student at the School of Law and the deputy Justice of the guild tribunal, said that they handle cases that breach the UCU dress code by informing students and all the fraternity about this through flyers, banners, and announcements during community worship. He also said to limit the entrance of anyone in breach of the dress code.
Rachel Sserwadda, the 24th guild president, advised students to dress appropriately in order to maintain their reputation and avoid further punishments such as suspensions.
The UCU chaplain Rev. Canon. Eng. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro advised the staff on their dress code.
“The UCU staff members are asked to sign documents abiding by the code of conduct and a way of life, a spirituality that benefits them at the university,” said Rev. Eng. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro.
Peace Tusubira Lwassampijja, the university’s female custodian, said that most students follow the dress code rules, but if they break them and are residents, they are told to go back and change, and if it persists, the student is dealt with by the disciplinary committee.
Kumakech Jawadi, a male security guard at UCU from Saracen Uganda Limited, said that he signed a contract with this institution, and it had a code of conduct that governed it, which included the dress code policy. “So it’s obligated for me to take you to the Dean of Students’ Affairs (DOSA) if I have told you and you are trying to argue with me,” said Kumakech.
Esther Atyang, a female security guard at UCU, stated that she can pardon you the first time if you’re not dressed so poorly and warns you. She went on to say that she can also ask if you’re a visitor or a student to get more clarification, and the response leads her to either chase you back or improvise.
The security guards stated that when the School of Business is not in session, they can chase one student or none; business students give them a hard time at the gate.
