By Juma Nsubuga

Parliament has issued tough guidelines  and restriction to journalists to who cover parliament proceedings.

Among the new restrictions ,parliamentary journalist have been banned from accessing  parliamentary chambers, lobbies, VIP lounge, MPs restaurant and Bar and parliament library with out the knowledge of the Public Relation officer , Helen Kawesa.

On top of this ,journalists must conduct themselves with dignity and adhere to the Rules of procedure and know professional codes of ethics, according to the new guidelines.

“Both female and male journalists have been prohibited from dressing beach wear, short casual wear, jeans, sports wear, collar shirts, casual sports shoes/sneakers, sandals, kitenge shirts and dresses-shirts or any other wear which does not depict decency. Skin tight trousers/skirts and dresses, see-through, transparent skirts and dresses, evening wear above knee length have also been banned.” states the statement from the media department of parliament in Kampala

The statement adds that any other type of dressing that exposes any part of the body between the neck and knees and excessive make up and jewellery especially female journalist is  not accepted.

“Covering of the speaker and the deputy speaker shall be done on request from the PRO of parliament.

Unnecessary movements when the speaker is addressing a press conference have also been abolished.

“A journalist who do not adhere to the dress code will be asked to leave parliament or the venue of parliament event and may in addition face disciplinary action and his/her accreditation will be suspended or withdrawn temporarily or permanently.” states the statement from parliament