Protest in Uganda over new mini-skirt law

Demonstration at National Theatre in Uganda over the new law that prohibits women from wearing mini-skirts.

What you need to know:

  • The demonstration outside the Nation Theatre in Kampala came after reports that 10 people have been undressed in the last one week.
  • Boda boda cyclists claimed they were helping police in Iganga District enforce the Anti-Pornography Bill.

Women in Uganda on Wednesday held a protest over harassment because of wearing mini-skirts.

The demonstration outside the Nation Theatre in Kampala came after reports that 10 people have been undressed in the last one week.

Boda boda cyclists claimed they were helping police in Iganga District enforce the Anti-Pornography Bill.

“We shall not allow women to pass on the road with skimpy dresses. Undressing them in public is the only way to stop them because when we hand them over to the police it will release them,” one of them told the Daily Monitor newspaper on Monday.

INDECENT EXPOSURE

However, police later issued a warning that those caught harassing anyone in a miniskirt would be arrested.

President Museveni signed the Bill into law on February 19. It prohibits wearing of clothes that indecently expose women.

On Wednesday, the protestors held placards that read: "I am woman hear me roar-stop mini-skirt harassment."

The new law has drawn mixed reactions in the country with some taking to social media to air their views.