By Joseph Kiggundu
KAMPALA. The management of Kampala International University has started enforcing a new dress code banning miniskirts, sagging trousers, crocs and bathroom slippers, with security officers authorised to deny entry to improperly dressed students and staff.
The enforcement began on Wednesday, October 7, a day after the university issued a circular reminding its community to maintain what it described as a modest, neat and professional appearance while on campus.
The circular, issued by the Office of the Vice Chancellor on October 6, lists several forms of dressing prohibited at the university.
These include skirts and dresses ending above the knee, damaged or torn clothing, and trousers or pants worn below the waistline.
The university has also banned what it describes as “inappropriate footwear like bathroom slippers, Crocs and casual plastic beach footwear.”
On Wednesday, students considered to be improperly dressed were seen being stopped by campus security officers and cautioned about the new requirements.
Under the new directive, security officers have the authority to deny entry to anyone found to be improperly dressed.
Students and staff who repeatedly violate the rules will be referred to their respective disciplinary committees.
The university’s decision is likely to renew debate over how far higher education institutions should go in regulating the appearance of adult students.
Universities in Uganda have adopted varying approaches to student dress, often influenced by their institutional identity, professional requirements or religious foundations.
At Uganda Christian University, for example, a directive affecting Law School students attracted public debate after the institution introduced professional dressing requirements, including suits on particular days and restrictions on some types of footwear and hairstyles.
The Uganda National Institute for Teacher Education has also faced debate over proposals to introduce uniforms for student teachers, with critics questioning whether such requirements are appropriate for adult learners in higher education.
Other institutions have maintained stricter dress expectations based on their religious or professional identity.
The Islamic University in Uganda, for instance, has long maintained modesty requirements, while its Faculty of Law has specific professional dressing expectations for students.
Makerere University, meanwhile, has generally taken a less prescriptive approach. Previous attempts to introduce a formal student dress code have faced resistance, with the university instead relying on broader conduct and disciplinary regulations to address cases considered inappropriate.
At KIU, however, the administration has now made clear that the requirements apply across the university.
The October 6 circular was copied to the Chairperson of the University Council, Campus Administrator and other university officials.
The university has not indicated how long the new enforcement exercise will last, but the circular makes clear that the requirements form part of the institution’s rules governing conduct on campus.