Showing Thighs, Cleavage, Long nails and Body map(Fitting clothes) is illegal in Uganda, banned to all public servants.

The Uganda Judiciary and the Parliament have enacted laws that will be followed by civil and public servants in the country. The dress code law will enhance restorations of loose moral in the country.


The laws just come after a conservative society and women have previously complained of being harassed if they wear mini-skirts in public. The Dress by the public servants will also enhance delivery of services without mental affiliations in the public sector.


Public servants in Uganda are facing a strict dress code after the government issued a circular warning them to "dress decently".


Female staff have been told not to show any cleavage, wear brightly coloured nails, braids or hair extensions, sleeveless or transparent blouses.

Men must wear long-sleeved shirts, jackets and ties, while trousers should not be tight-fitting.


Staff failing to comply will be disciplined and face work dismissal if possible.


The guidelines, issued by the Ministry of Public Service apply to all non-uniformed civil servants. But there is a feeling that female staff are the main focus on the new rules.


While women will be allowed to wear pant-suits, they have been warned not to wear any tight-fitting clothing. Dresses and skirts must at least be knee-length.




Female officers

1. To dress in a skirt or dress that is not above the knees, with a smart long or short sleeved blouse. Officers should avoid wearing sleeveless, transparent blouses and dresses at the work place.
2. To ensure that the clothing covers up cleavage, navel, knees and back.
3. Not allowed to have bright coloured hair in form of natural hair, braids and hair extensions.
4. Maintain well-groomed, neutral polished nails. Long nails with more than 3cms (1.5in), with bright nail polish or with multi-coloured nail polish are not allowed in public offices.
5. Shall keep the facial make-up simple and not exaggerated.

Male officers

1. Male officers are required to dress in neat trousers, long-sleeved shirts, jacket and a tie.
2. Officers will not be allowed to put on open shoes during working hours, except on health grounds/recommendation.
3. Hair should be well-groomed and generally kept short.
4. Tight-fitting trousers will not be permitted.

The Ministry of Public Service's Director of Human Resources, Adah Muwanga, said they had to act after receiving complaints:

"We were approached with complaints that, specifically lady officers, were dressing in an unacceptable manner, with mini-skirts and showing body parts which otherwise generally should be covered in Ugandan society," she told the BBC.

She said the ministry has overall responsibility to guide the administration and management of the public service and "this is how we want the public to view us".



The circular further states that accessories should be modest, while long fingernails of more than 3cms (1.5in) with bright or multi-coloured nail polish are also not permitted.



Flat, open shoes are ruled out, except in cases where one can prove that it is for medical reasons.

Men have been told they should keep their hair short and neat, and not wear brightly coloured clothes.




The laws do not have a room for amendment in the next parliament. The Ugandan public service has agreed to use the laws as it will be the only way to prevent public outcry of s*xually harassments.