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Uganda Christian University (UCU) has been at the recieving end of public baclkash following its internal memorandum outlining new dress code regulations for all LLB students at the School of Law, covering both the Main and Kampala campuses.
The directive, effective from June 5, 2025, requires students to wear black suits every Monday and Thursday, paired with a long-sleeved white shirt, a necktie for male students, and black shoes.
The memo also forbids the wearing of sandals, canvas shoes, and any footwear that exposes the toes.
Additionally, it demands well-kept hair at all times and bans coloured or tinted hair. Male students with hairstyles deemed "unacceptable" will be barred from accessing classrooms, the main library, and the School of Law offices.
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University gives rationale
The University says these measures aim to reinforce the School of Law’s dress code in line with the institution's core values and the legal profession’s expectations.
The memo stresses the importance of student decorum and the reflection of the University’s precepts both inside and outside the campus environment.
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Public reacts
However, the announcement has stirred considerable controversy on social media, with many students and members of the public expressing discontent.
Kasheeka remarked, “Why not make a uniform, and we know! Smh.”
Bridget Bagonza commented on the financial implications: “First, send funds for a new suit.”
Mathias Ssemanda questioned the insistence on black suits, asking, “I get the requirement for suits, but why the colour black? Is this some sort of uniform?”
Legal practitioner Birungi Mutamba challenged the relevance of the dress code to modern legal practice, saying, “Has the Dean been made aware that the legal profession has evolved, and that not all practitioners are required to don suits at every turn? These days, I scarcely have an occasion that even calls for me to tuck in. I wear shorts at times.”
Others raised broader concerns about priorities. Rogers Akwesiga appealed to the Ministry of Education to intervene, saying, “You have to fix knowledge in the students, not dress code. Is it going to answer questions you set?”
The dress code’s restrictions on hairstyles also drew criticism. Emmy questioned the cultural implications: “But who told Africans that their hair is bad, and men need to cut it off to look presentable? Other races’ men keep hair. Why hate on hair?”
The strong reactions reveal tensions between traditional expectations and modern realities faced by students and professionals alike.
It remains to be seen whether the University will reconsider or amend the dress code in response to the backlash.