The Bible teaches modesty in dress which condemns the wearing of jewelry, cosmetics and other items that violate the principle of simplicity (See 1 Timothy 2:9, 1 Peter 3:3, 4 and Genesis 35:1-5 etc.).
Last month, we reported on Bugema University in Uganda who issued an official notice that places a ban on the use of jewelry, make-up, mini-skirts, sleeveless/open tops, colored nail polish, trousers, etc. by female students in the university. The ban was to take effect immediately. That decision on dress code is now being challenged in court by a disgruntled man, Ronald Bwire.
In a suit brough tbefore the High Court, the petitioner, Mr. Ronald Bwire, claims that on December 12, 2018, the University issued a notice banning female students from wearing miniskirts, ear rings, necklaces, bangles, sleeveless and open tops, coloured nails, lipsticks, trousers and dresses that stop above the knee. Bugema University announced the ban in a notice dated December 12, 2018.
“No student should come back with the above mentioned next semester. Culprits will face university disciplinary committee for serious action,” the notice warns. Mr. Bwire says the ban is a violation of female students’ right to equality, dignity, freedom of expression, conscience and culture.
“The impugned notice is threat not only to constitutionalism and rule of law but also to Uganda’s efforts to respect, promote and uphold rights and status of women,” the suit reads in part.
Mr Bwire contends that besides causing distress, physiological torture and inconvenience, the University’s directive has lowered the dignity and status of women generally. Through his lawyers Mayende & Associated Advocates, Mr Bwire wants court to order the lifting of the ban and compensation with costs of the suit.
Bwire wants the court to lift the ban with costs, including compensating each affected with UGX50m. He says in the lawsuit that the future of female student’s at the Adventist university is at stake if the court doesn’t take action.
Bugema University is a private, co-educational Ugandan university affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
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“Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40).