Uganda Christian University (UCU) on September 24 hosted the Aeropagus Public Debate on beauty standards at Nkoyoyo Hall, an event organized by the Directorate of Research, Partnerships and Innovation (DRPI). The debate brought together medical experts, scholars and students to reflect on the meaning of beauty in today’s society. It also featured a fashion show by Visual Arts and Design students, showcasing creativity and style as part of the discussion.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. William Lubega, a plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon, said beautification is both an art and a science that has been practiced throughout history. He drew examples from ancient Egypt, where Cleopatra and other queens used perfumes and oils, and from African traditions such as the Maasai and Sudanese, who decorated their bodies with scar markings. He explained that with the industrial revolution came wigs and perfumes, while social media today has added new pressures and trends.

Dr. Lubega clarified that surgery is not only about altering appearance but also about restoration. “There are cases where body parts like ears, hands, or even genitals are lost in accidents or fights, but if preserved properly and brought to hospital in time, they can be replanted,” he explained. He also noted that birth defects such as cleft lip, fused fingers, or extra fingers can be corrected through surgery. However, he cautioned that not all outcomes are positive and warned about addiction to cosmetic procedures. “Our bodies are God’s temple,” he said. “The real question is whether what we do glorifies God or simply glorifies ourselves.”

Adding an ethical perspective, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya, Head of the Department of Philosophy at Makerere University, said beauty is an abstract concept and always relative. “For some, a big stomach is beautiful, for others it is not,” he said. “Beauty standards change across generations, which makes it difficult to define ethical limits.” He pointed out that the rise of genetic modification goes even further than surgery, as people can now choose traits like skin color and height for their children. He argued that the deeper issue is spiritual, since many people remain dissatisfied with their bodies.

Dr. Sabrina Bakeera Kitaka, a specialist paediatrician and senior lecturer at Makerere University, raised concerns about health risks. While acknowledging the skill of plastic surgeons, she warned against the dangers of repeated procedures and unsafe practices. “People have injected themselves with substances to slim down,” she said. “There’s a lot of pressure from social media to look perfect, and that is why filters are so popular. But we should learn to be comfortable in our own skin.” She encouraged participants to focus on healthy living, saying that as a mother of five, she maintains her size through exercise, hydration, and a balanced lifestyle.

The debate also featured voices from students. Charis Opol, a Computer Science student, and Hannah Assimwe, a Law student, urged peers not to seek validation from cosmetic procedures. They both encouraged the audience to look to Christ, and they will understand what beauty is.

Closing the event, Prof. Elizabeth Balyejusa Kizito, Director of DRPI, thanked the panelists and emphasized the relevance of the discussion. “The issues raised today touch the very core of who we are and how we perceive ourselves through the eyes of others,” she said. “My hope is that each one of you leaves with a takeaway about who you really are, and to appreciate how God sees you.”

The debate left participants reflecting not only on shifting standards of beauty, but also on how faith, ethics, and health shape the choices people make about their bodies in a world heavily influenced by culture and social media.

Catch more of the debate, live on youtube; 
https://www.youtube.com/live/NXeQY5oMFKI?si=psadYwbaBFayOh-L