Namuganza backs calls to disband UHRC leadership
PARLIAMENT: State Minister for Lands Persis Namuganza has backed calls to disband the leadership of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), accusing its chairperson, Mariam Fauzat Wangadya, of frustrating her in the past over questions surrounding her academic documents.
Speaking to journalists at Parliament on Wednesday, Namuganza said Wangadya should step aside amid the controversy surrounding her leadership and the commission’s internal challenges.
Namuganza’s remarks add to growing pressure on the human rights body, which has faced scrutiny over internal disagreements, allegations of maladministration and delays in handling complaints.
The minister linked her criticism of Wangadya to their earlier interactions when the latter served as Deputy Inspector General of Government. She accused Wangadya of having frustrated her over questions concerning her academic documents and advised her to step aside.
The calls for changes at the commission come amid concerns raised by Parliament about its management and effectiveness in delivering on its constitutional mandate.
The Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) has raised concerns about the commission’s internal wrangles and the impact on its operations. The committee also highlighted a backlog of 1,093 cases awaiting resolution, raising questions about the timely delivery of justice to complainants.
The commission has also faced allegations from some of its commissioners concerning financial management, recruitment procedures and the administration of its affairs. Such allegations have contributed to the debate over accountability and leadership at the institution.
The claims require appropriate scrutiny, with those implicated entitled to respond to the allegations through the relevant accountability processes.
Mandate under scrutiny
Established under the 1995 Constitution, the UHRC is mandated to investigate human rights violations, monitor compliance with human rights standards, inspect places of detention and advise the Government on measures to promote and protect fundamental rights and freedoms.
The commission also receives complaints from individuals whose rights may have been violated and can investigate cases and recommend remedies.
Wangadya, a lawyer who previously served at the commission before becoming Deputy Inspector General of Government in 2013, was appointed chairperson by President Yoweri Museveni in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, Meddie Kaggwa.
In July 2026, Wangadya reportedly announced that she had resigned from the chairperson’s position and had written to the President, citing internal challenges at the institution. The status and implications of that resignation remain important to the debate over the commission’s leadership.
Namuganza’s latest remarks are likely to intensify calls for accountability and institutional reforms at the commission.
The debate comes at a critical time for the UHRC, whose credibility and effectiveness are central to protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring that complaints against public institutions and individuals are investigated fairly and promptly.
