UHRC Chairperson Wangadya Takes Human Rights Campaign Directly to Ugandans at UMA Exhibition

By Our Reporter

The Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Hon. Mariam Wangadya, has taken the Commission’s human rights awareness campaign directly to the public at the ongoing Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) exhibition in Lugogo, Kampala, urging Ugandans to understand their rights, speak out against violations and hold on to the principle that every person deserves justice and protection under the law.

Wangadya spent Friday morning at the Commission’s exhibition stall, personally engaging visitors in discussions about human rights, answering questions and listening to concerns affecting communities across the country. Her interaction with the public went beyond the distribution of information, providing an opportunity for citizens to seek clarification on their rights and understand how the Commission can intervene when those rights are violated.

The UHRC established its stall at the exhibition on Friday, October 2, 2026, and has since been using the platform to educate the public about its mandate and showcase the services available to Ugandans. Visitors have been receiving Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials, annual reports and special reports intended to improve their understanding of the Commission’s work and the broader human rights environment in Uganda.

Wangadya said she was encouraged by the enthusiasm demonstrated by visitors, explaining that the conversations had enabled the Commission to provide answers while also receiving valuable feedback from the people it serves.

"I have seen for myself the enthusiasm of the general public. They have questions; I have given them answers and, at the same time, we have received feedback from them on how they view our performance," she said.

The discussions revealed growing interest in how human rights education can be extended beyond exhibitions and formal institutional programmes to reach schools, learning institutions and local communities. Some visitors wanted to understand how they could begin promoting human rights awareness in their own schools, institutions and villages, pointing to the importance of empowering ordinary citizens to become advocates for the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.

The rights of the boy child also emerged as one of the issues raised during the engagement. The concerns provided an opportunity to discuss the need for human rights protection to address the experiences of different groups in society and ensure that the rights of every child receive appropriate attention.

Another major issue was the right to a fair hearing and the presumption of innocence, particularly in relation to ongoing anti-corruption operations involving the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balam Barugahara. Some visitors sought clarification on how the rights of individuals suspected of wrongdoing should be protected while investigations and other legal processes are taking place.

In response, Wangadya expressed the view that the minister had good intentions but stressed the importance of respecting the rights and freedoms of suspects. Her remarks underscored the principle that the fight against corruption must go hand in hand with respect for the law, due process and the fundamental rights of every individual, regardless of the allegations they face.

The Chairperson also used the opportunity to remind Ugandans that protecting human rights is a shared responsibility that requires citizens to understand the available reporting mechanisms and take action whenever violations occur. She distributed stickers and keyholders bearing the Commission’s toll-free telephone numbers to help members of the public easily remember how to contact the institution.

By placing the Commission’s contact information directly in the hands of citizens, the initiative seeks to make reporting human rights violations more accessible. It also reinforces the message that people do not have to remain silent when their rights are abused and that the Commission provides channels through which concerns can be brought to its attention.

Several visitors took the opportunity to commend Wangadya for her efforts in promoting and protecting human rights. Their responses provided the Commission with direct feedback on public perceptions of its performance, while the questions raised helped identify issues that require continued public education and engagement.

Wangadya also issued the Commission’s Independence Day message during the exhibition, calling upon Ugandans to support the UHRC as it carries out its constitutional mandate. The appeal highlighted the importance of cooperation between citizens and public institutions in strengthening respect for human rights and ensuring that fundamental freedoms are protected.

The annual UMA exhibition, which brings together businesses, institutions and members of the public, provides the Commission with an opportunity to reach audiences who might not ordinarily attend formal human rights awareness activities. Its participation demonstrates how public exhibitions can be used not only to showcase institutional services but also to bring important national conversations closer to the people.

The exhibition is expected to conclude on Sunday, October 11, 2026, giving more visitors an opportunity to interact with the Commission, access educational materials and learn about the procedures for seeking assistance when their rights are violated.

Through her direct engagement with visitors, Wangadya has reinforced the message that human rights awareness begins with knowledge, grows through public participation and becomes meaningful when people know where to turn for assistance. The Commission’s presence at Lugogo therefore serves as a reminder that understanding and protecting human rights should be part of everyday life, in schools, workplaces, communities and public institutions across Uganda.