Discipline or Discrimination: The case of Uganda Christian University black suits dress code policy
Uganda Christian University (UCU) has introduced a stringent dress code policy for Bachelor of Laws (LLB) students at both its Mukono Main Campus and Kampala Campus, sparking a heated debate among students, staff, and the wider academic community. Starting Monday, June 5, 2025, all law students are required to wear formal black suits, white shirts, and black formal shoes every Monday and Thursday, with male students mandated to add a necktie to the ensemble.
The directive, issued through an internal memo dated May 26, 2025, which has since gone viral on social media, states that the policy is designed to “reinforce the School of Law student dress code in line with the core values of the University and the legal profession that you aspire to be part of in the future.”
According to the memo, “This communication is pursuant to the exigency to reinforce the School of Law student dress code in line with the core values of the University and the legal profession that you aspire to be part of in the future.”
It goes on to specify, “On Mondays and Thursdays, all students must wear a full black suit, a long-sleeved white shirt, and black formal shoes. Male students must also wear a necktie. Students who fail to comply will be denied access to classrooms, the main library, and the School of Law offices.”
The policy further bans sandals, canvas shoes, footwear exposing toes, and any clothing colors outside of black and white. Grooming rules are equally strict, dyed or tinted hair is prohibited, and male students sporting “unacceptable styles and fashions” will be barred from entering academic spaces.
The university justifies these rules as essential for instilling discipline and preparing students for the professional standards of the legal field. “The purpose of the above-mentioned measures is to buttress clear expectations for appropriate LLB student decorum within or outside the University setting, and to reflect the University’s precepts,” the memo concludes.
Student Reactions: Between Support and Concern
The dress code has ignited mixed reactions among students. Some view the move as a positive step toward fostering professionalism. An anonymous final-year law student told us, “Wearing a suit helps set the right mindset. The legal profession expects a certain level of decorum, and this prepares us early on.”
However, others raise concerns about affordability and personal freedom. Another second-year law student, who requested anonymity, expressed frustration, “Not everyone can afford two suits and ties. For some of us, this is a real financial burden, especially when the university doesn’t offer any support or subsidies.”
“The strict grooming rules feel oppressive. Hair color or style doesn’t affect our ability to learn or practice law. It feels like the university is policing our personal expression,” he added.
The Bigger Picture
The debate around UCU’s policy reflects broader tensions in Ugandan higher education, balancing tradition and professionalism with inclusivity and individual rights. Legal education often emphasizes formal attire as a symbol of respect for the law and the courts. Yet, critics argue that rigid dress codes risk alienating students from less privileged backgrounds and stifle diversity.
Dr. Emily Nabukeera, a sociologist specializing in education and youth culture, comments,”Dress codes can serve important purposes, but when enforced without sensitivity to students’ economic realities and cultural identities, they risk becoming exclusionary rather than empowering.”
As UCU’s black suit policy takes effect, it serves as a focal point for ongoing conversations about discipline, identity, and equity in Uganda’s universities. Whether the policy will foster a more professional learning environment or deepen divides among students remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the lines between discipline and discrimination are blurred, and the debate is far from over.
