Katuntu Wants Army Representatives Stripped of Uniforms in Parliament

Parliament Looks to Ditch Army Uniforms in Favour of 'Dress for Debate' Code, with MPs saying Camouflage brings the notion of a battlefield

In a move that might leave you wondering if parliament’s new dress code includes pajamas, the Rules Committee, chaired by the ever-persistent Abdu Katuntu, has decided to tackle a rather tactical issue: army uniforms in Parliament.

The committee has proposed amendments to the Parliamentary Rules of Procedure discouraging the practice of wearing military attire during parliamentary proceedings.

Yes, you read that right – no more camo in the chamber!

According to Katuntu, the presence of MPs clad in combat uniforms gives off the wrong “battlefield vibes” – and let’s be honest, no one wants to be debating bills with the looming threat of a surprise invasion.

Katuntu made it clear that such attire is inappropriate for the hallowed halls of Parliament, where the only battles should be fought with words, not weaponry.

“We believe it’s inappropriate. Let’s keep the military out of the room—well, at least the camo,” Katuntu quipped [emphasis ours].

What he meant directly was that the committee finds this inappropriate since such attire carries the connotation of a battlefield.

During a plenary session chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, the discussion went from camo to kanzu, as MPs also weighed in on the idea of traditional attire being worn in Parliament.

Aisha Kabanda, the ever-diplomatic Woman MP for Butambala, argued that the Kanzu, a religious and internationally recognized garment, should not be lumped together with other traditional wear as it is "decent" and “sacred.”

Ms Kabanda made it clear that no one should force her to ditch her Kanzu for a less comfortable alternative.

The committee has also proposed a rather... "efficient" change. From now on, MPs would be limited to just five minutes of speaking time. Imagine that – no more epic, drawn-out speeches, just quick hits!

Are you thinking of what I am thinking? Well...

However, not everyone is in a rush to go through with this – Tayebwa has sent the debate on the report to next week for further reflection.

So, for now, it’s still business as usual for the MPs in uniform, at least until the official dress code is reimagined.

Among the army MPs who might need to think about their wardrobe choices are Gen Katumba Wamala (Minister for Works), Gen David Muhoozi (State Minister for Internal Affairs), and Gen Peter Elweru (Senior Presidential Advisor) – a well-dressed team of ten representing the UPDF in Parliament.

But don’t worry, no one is asking them to swap their uniforms for tuxedos – just maybe a nice suit will do!