Officials at Makerere University have trashed some prepositions that the dress code of female students at the institution has propagated a fertile ground for sexual harassment, also warning the University against imposing new dressing policies.

Ms. Francis Nyakyo the deputy director at Makerere’s Gender Mainstream Directorate thrashed the allegations that  the vice is propagated by indecent dressing saying that even in the Arab world  women are sexually harassed despite them putting on long attires.

“It is about the mindset, we have the ability to control our feelings, so if one is tempted because of the dress code, they can control their mind therefore dressing doesn't lead to sexual harassment at all," she said.

While speaking at the Makerere Diva Safety Campaign, the former dean at Makerere's Law School Prof. Sylivia Tamale who also led the sexual harassment committee said that there is no casual relationship between dress code and sexual harassment.

"Such thoughts are misguided and dress based arousal is simply used to abuse power," she said

Her committee also rejected the argument of dress code stating that the majority of harassers sit in positions of authority over their victims, something they say speaks to the real problem here—that is, using women’s dressing to justify the abuse of power.

“The Committee therefore concluded that women’s clothing is not the cause of sexual harassment or abuse. The Committee also rejected the imposition of a university dress code for students and staff because research studies show that socially-sanctioned “decency” dress codes have a controlling effect, violate human rights and liberties, and are an ineffective way to combat sexual harassment,” as highlighted in the report.

Students also disagree with the allegations that dress code leads to sexual harassment.

Vanessa Kembabazi a second year Bachelor of Law student said, “I am free to dress the way I want as long as I feel comfortable.” She added that, “this is a University where we don't need to be guide on what to dress because we are adults."

"Females who cover their bodies in long clothes are also sexually harassed or abused. I will still dress the way I want because I see no connection between women dress styles and sexual harassment," Peace Nakanwagi, a third bachelor of Social Sciences student commented.