Uganda Christian University (UCU) has issued a directive prohibiting indecent attire at the upcoming graduation ceremony for Mbale University College, set for Friday. The announcement was made on Thursday during a press briefing held at Courts View Hotel in Mbale City’s Industrial Division, where university officials met with journalists.

Reverend Professor George Kitayimbwa, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, stressed that compliance with the dress code will be mandatory for anyone wishing to access the venue. He clarified that female graduands will only be permitted if they wear long, loose outfits that do not reveal any part of the body, noting that minis and trousers will not be accepted.

Male graduands, he added, must appear in suits or other formal wear, excluding t-shirts and tight clothing. He argued that the “dotcom era” has weakened respect for modest dressing and contributed to rising indecency. “The university cannot allow this because it is founded on the principles of the church, which does not permit nudity,” he said.

According to Bishop Samuel George Egesa, Chairperson of the College Governing Council, the Mbale campus is preparing to graduate 580 students across multiple fields during its 26th graduation ceremony. He also revealed that Justice Catherine Bamugemereire will serve as the guest of honor.

Other dignitaries expected to attend include the Archbishop of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, along with several bishops from various dioceses. Masete Wokuri, a first-class graduate in Social Work and Administration, voiced her joy, saying, “The skills I have acquired will help me become an important person in the community.”