Pallisa, Uganda: Civil servants in Pallisa District have been directed to maintain a smart dress code while on duty as part of efforts to improve professionalism and public confidence in government offices.
The directive was issued by Pallisa Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Alex Felix Majeme during his weekly press briefing, where he instructed all heads of departments to ensure the guidance is implemented across district offices.
Majeme said the district headquarters has already adopted the practice, noting that the move has made it easier for members of the public to identify government officials.
“When I first came to Pallisa, it was difficult to differentiate between a civil servant and an ordinary person who had come to the district offices unless someone introduced themselves,” Majeme said.
“But now it has become easier, and I want this standard to extend to sub-counties, schools and health facilities,” he added.
Majeme emphasised that civil servants should present themselves professionally, arguing that their appearance influences how the public and learners perceive government workers. “When a learner sees an accountant, teacher or any officer dressed smartly, they may aspire to be like them. That is positive emulation,” he said.
The CAO also warned that he would not tolerate staff appearing untidy when attending official meetings or when called to his office.
“To be honest, I will not entertain a civil servant who comes to my office looking untidy. Most of them are now aware of the directive, and the response at the district headquarters is already 100 percent,” he said.
Education Sector Responds
Pallisa District Education Officer Ronald Omutujju said head teachers have already responded to the directive and are expected to ensure teachers maintain a smart appearance.
While addressing head teachers during a refresher training on the Tela machine, a system used to track attendance of teachers and learners as well as lesson coverage, Omutujju said dressing smartly does not necessarily require expensive clothing.
“I see no reason why teachers should be seen as the category that cannot afford to be smart regardless of their limited resources,” he said.
Omutujju noted that coats sold by street vendors can cost as little as UGX 5,000, making professional dressing affordable for teachers.
Pallisa Principal Assistant Chief Administrative Officer John Okia said female employees tend to maintain better dress standards than some of their male counterparts. “Some male workers do not even bother to polish their shoes,” Okia said.
He added that shoe polish is affordable, noting that a tin of polish can cost about UGX 1,500 and last up to a month.
Mixed Reactions from Teachers
Some teachers welcomed the directive but said professional dressing becomes easier when salaries improve.
Dan Okiror, a teacher interviewed by DailyExpress, said the directive could have a positive impact if civil servants receive better pay.
Another teacher, Stephen Okwalinga, said improved remuneration would make it easier for teachers to maintain professional standards. “When we start earning better salaries, dressing smartly will come naturally,” he said.
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