As International Women’s Day draws near, the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development has decried the rising incidence of indecent dressing among girls, describing it as a departure from Uganda’s cultural norms.
Speaking to journalists at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala ahead of International Women’s Day, the State Minister Peace Mutuuzo, expressed concern over the growing trend of indecent dressing among young women, attributing it to the adoption of Western cultural influences, which she said are at odds with African values and pose a risk to the continent’s future generations.
Mutuuzo stated that girls are now appearing in public in revealing clothing, often more suited for young children, and warned that this trend has led to increased risks of sexual assault, rape, and even murder.
“It is not in our respectable norms as Ugandans or Africans to dress indecently in public, whether female or male. Some girls put on scanty dresses, small blouses that can’t cover their umbilical cord a private place. I caution girls and boys against this habit,” Mutuuzo said.
She also cautioned boys against indecent dressing, citing trends like low‑cut trousers (“blance”) and other styles she described as “damaged clothes”, saying such attire affects both genders equally. “Some boys reluctantly loosen their trousers, almost exposing their underwear, and wear damaged clothes that reveal private areas. These practices aren’t part of our cultural norms,” Minister Mutuuzo stated.
She explained that Africa has been invaded by the western cultures which are eating up the young generation. The Minister also urged married women to avoid disrespecting their partners after achieving job promotions or financial stability, noting this fuels a narrative among men that women shouldn’t outrank them, a mindset hindering women’s empowerment in Uganda.
“Women should know their boundaries in marriage; getting an education and a job should complement family support, not disrespect for your husband. But men should also respect and love their wives; it works both ways,” Mutuzo noted.
The National theme for International Women’s Day 2026 that will be celebrated at Kololo is “Scaling up Investments to accelerate Access to Justice for all Women and Girls in Uganda”. The Ministry notes Ugandan women still struggle with justice access due to Gender-Based Violence and economic hardships.