Troubled UHRC Chairperson directed to appear before Parliament

The Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) has directed the Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Mariam Wangadya to appear before on Friday, 24 July 2026 after failing to attend a meeting examining the commission’s Auditor General’s report.

The committee members uncovered what they described as a breakdown in the institution’s leadership.

During the meeting chaired by Hon. Muwada Nkunyingi on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, officials from UHRC admitted that they not held a formal commission meeting since March 2026 despite the law requiring the body to oversee the institution’s work.

Nkunyingi questioned the acting Secretary and Accounting Officer, Kamadi Byonabye over governance and accountability at the commission, noting that although he assumed office after the retirement of the former accounting officer, Margaret Lucy Ejang, he remained responsible for accounting for public funds under Article 164 of the Constitution.

Kamadi revealed that he had personally informed Wangadya about the committee invitation and that she had indicated the Auditor General’s report concerned technical matters.
Nkunyingi warned that should she fail to attend the meeting; Parliament would invoke lawful measures including summons or warrants to compel her to attend.
“We are giving her and the commission a second chance; the matters to handle are very, very concerning,” he said.

Commissioner Simeo Nsubuga confirmed that the commissioners last met in March and acknowledged that no subsequent commission meetings had been convened.
“We are supposed to have a monthly commission meeting. The commission meeting is the top management decision-making body of the commission,” Nsubuga said before admitting that he had never formally written to remind the chairperson or fellow commissioners to convene another meeting.

The revelations prompted concern from committee members with Martin Muzaale (NRM, Buzaaya County) questioning how the commission had continued executing its constitutional mandate, including submitting reports to Parliament without meeting as a governing body.

Elgon North County Member of Parliament, Hon. Gerald Nangoli said the commission appeared dysfunctional, arguing that months without meetings meant Ugandans could no longer be certain the institution was operating effectively.
The committee also heard that the Commission’s tribunal system has effectively stalled because, under the Uganda Human Rights Act and the commission’s rules, only the chairperson can preside over tribunal proceedings.

Commissioner Shifrah Lukwago explained that without the chairperson, complaints requiring tribunal hearings cannot proceed.
The committee also examined delays in hearing human rights complaints.

The Director of Complaints, Investigations and Legal Services at UHRC, Pauline Nansamba disclosed that the commission last held tribunal sessions in December 2025 after exhausting the budget allocated for hearings.

Wangadya submitted a notice of resignation to President Yoweri Museveni on 06 July 2026.

However, the Attorney General has advised that her resignation will only take effect upon formal acceptance by the appointing authority, meaning she remains the substantive Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission.

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