Vituko Mitaani

Wearing lipstick or tinting hair could land policewomen into trouble if a new set of disciplinary guidelines are to be implemented. According to a police internal communication memo, which was the subject of debate in Parliament last week, those who cut their uniforms short, could also be up for punishment.

The memo, written by police boss Kale Kayihura but signed by his deputy Okoth Ochola, also warns female police officers against wearing anklets, adding that the show of jewelry is a “shame to the institution”. Their male counterparts who grow moustaches risk being expelled from the Force, the communication adds.

The memo, which was copied to all unit commanders and directors, adds: “It has been observed that the turnout of police officers is poor, wanting, lacking while on duty and off duty whether in uniform or in civilian attire.”
Not done, Lt. Gen. Kayihura offers more guidance to female officers on grooming, prohibiting them from keeping long hair but adding: “Those with long hair should keep it neatly dressed below the cap and clipped close to the head.”

Members of Parliament on the defence and internal affairs committee last week took issue with the guidelines, tasking Mr Ochola to explain what was happening.

Mr Ochola had led a team to Parliament to defend their proposed budget of Shs280 billion in the next financial year. “What has lipstick got to do with someone’s performance?” asked MP Hamson Obua, who also demanded to know if the Force’s priorities had shifted from officers’ welfare to dress code.

Mr Ochola, however, was unmoved, insisting that the standing orders prescribe the rules and the Force would implement them. He said the guidelines were to ensure discipline in the Force. The police deputy spokesperson, Mr Patrick Onyango, yesterday said female police officers had developed the habit of cutting their uniforms, to make them shorter than necessary.

“When wearing a police uniform, you don’t wear lipsticks and high heeled shoes among others,” Mr Onyango said, adding that such is a provision from the British police and the standing orders provide for the same. The memo also advises all female officers who desire to braid their hair to use black materials only.

snaturinda@ug.nationmedia.com