Education Ministry Allows Muslim Trainees to Wear Head Veils

What the report says

The Uganda Ministry of Education and Sports has approved plain white head veils for Muslim female trainees in health training institutions, after a petition from the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) raised concerns about religious dress restrictions. The directive applies to both public and private institutions and covers classroom instruction, clinical practice, and related training settings.

According to the Nile Post report, the ministry said in a letter dated August 6, 2026, that it had received complaints about Muslim students and trainees being asked to remove their head coverings during hospital practice and other professional training activities. Permanent Secretary Dr Safinah Kisu Museene said the approved veil must cover the head, ears and neck, be tucked into the uniform collar, and remain plain white without decorations or embellishments.

The guidance also requires trainees to follow infection prevention and control rules in clinical units, laboratories and hospital departments. During exams and assessments, they must meet identification and security requirements set by the relevant boards while keeping to the approved dress code. The ministry told principals to implement the rule immediately and communicate it to stakeholders.

UMSC chairman Prof. Dr. Muhammadi Lubega had argued in the April 18 petition that forcing Muslim women to remove their veils amounted to discrimination and interfered with religious freedom. UMSC spokesperson Haj Ashiraf Zziwa welcomed the decision, saying it allows Muslim trainees to observe their faith while meeting professional standards. The move is significant because it sets a uniform dress policy intended to balance religious accommodation with health training requirements.