UHRC Boss Shares Hidden Stroy On The Rift Between Her and Some Members Of The Commission

Kampala— The leadership of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has come under public scrutiny following an ongoing disagreement between Chairperson Mariam Wangadya and some members of the Commission.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, July 3, 2026, Wangadya described what she called a difficult working relationship with some members of the Commission, saying the disagreements had intensified over the past six months despite her efforts to maintain institutional harmony.

Without naming the individuals involved, the Chairperson alleged that some Commissioners had worked against her leadership and were allegedly receiving support from certain Members of Parliament whom she had previously reported to the President over corruption-related matters. Those allegations have not been independently verified, and the Commissioners and MPs referred to had not publicly responded at the time of publication.

Wangadya recalled that shortly after her appointment in 2021, she was cautioned by two Members of Parliament that her tenure could face significant internal challenges.

According to her, she later encountered what she described as persistent hostility from within the Commission, including repeated claims that security agencies were investigating her. She maintained that she had never been formally informed of any such investigations and described the reports as part of a campaign intended to damage her reputation.

The Chairperson also said she had remained committed to serving with integrity throughout her public service career, citing her previous roles at the Inspectorate of Government where she served as Deputy Inspector General of Government and later as Acting IGG.

She argued that throughout her career she consistently rejected attempts to influence investigations or prosecutions through bribery and insisted that she had maintained a record of professionalism and accountability.

Wangadya further appealed to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to reconsider a corruption-related case in which she had been the complainant, saying reopening the matter would allow the evidence to be tested in court and help address questions surrounding the dispute.

"If the matter is reopened, all parties would have an opportunity to present their evidence before a competent court," she said.

The Chairperson also emphasized the importance of appointing individuals of proven integrity to constitutional offices, noting that Article 51 of Uganda's Constitution requires members of the Uganda Human Rights Commission to be persons of high moral character and proven integrity.

She said the Commission's constitutional responsibility to promote and protect human rights requires leaders who can work together professionally despite differences of opinion.

Responding to allegations that have circulated in sections of the media regarding financial impropriety, Wangadya dismissed the claims, arguing that the Commission operates under a limited budget and that reports accusing her of corruption were unfounded.

She called upon journalists to uphold professional standards by verifying information before publication and encouraged the media to seek clarification from relevant institutions whenever questions arise regarding public officials.

The Uganda Human Rights Commission, established under Chapter Four of the Constitution, is mandated to promote and protect human rights, investigate complaints of violations, monitor places of detention, conduct civic education, and advise government on matters relating to human rights.

As public discussion continues, observers say an amicable resolution founded on dialogue, transparency, and respect for institutional independence would help strengthen public trust in the Commission and ensure it remains focused on its constitutional mandate of protecting the rights and freedoms of all Ugandans.