Bugema University
Seventh Day Adventist funded institution Bugema University has introduced new rules on dress code, affecting female students.
A stamped management notice to all students, dated December 12 bans female students from wearing mini skirts, trousers, lipstick, nail vanish, among other things on University premises.
Other things banned are necklaces, earrings, bangles, dresses above knee level and sleeveless blouses.
According to the notice, students found with the above items on campus will face disciplinary action, starting next semester, which beings in January.
Bugema University (BMU) is a private, co-educational Ugandan university affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It is a part of the Seventh-day Adventist education system, the world’s second largest Christian school system.
A letter from Bugema University management to female students
Adventists have traditionally held socially conservative attitudes regarding dress and entertainment. According to Wikipedia, these attitudes are reflected in one of the church’s fundamental beliefs.
“For the Spirit to recreate in us the character of our Lord we involve ourselves only in those things which will produce Christ like purity, health, and joy in our lives. This means that our amusement and entertainment should meet the highest standards of Christian taste and beauty. While recognizing cultural differences, our dress is to be simple, modest, and neat, befitting those whose true beauty does not consist of outward adornment but in the imperishable ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit.”
Accordingly, many Adventists are opposed to practices such as body piercing and tattoos and refrain from the wearing of jewellery, including such items as earrings and bracelets. Some also oppose the displaying of wedding bands, although banning wedding bands is not the position of the General Conference. Conservative Adventists avoid certain recreational activities, which are considered to be a negative spiritual influence, including dancing, rock music and secular theatre.