COSASE questions UHRC Complaints Director over multiple roles, case closures

What the report says

Kampala-based parliamentarians on the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) have questioned Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) director Pauline Nansamba Mutumba over her career progression, multiple assignments and the handling of complaints. According to The Independent Uganda, the scrutiny came during her appearance before the committee chaired by Muwada Nkunyingi as MPs examined UHRC recruitment, promotions and case management practices.

Mutumba, who reportedly joined UHRC in 2021 as a personal assistant to then chairperson Mariam Wangadya, later became Principal Human Resource Officer in 2023 and now serves as Director of Complaints, Investigations and Legal Services. MPs raised concerns about whether the promotions followed public service rules and why she also holds other duties, including acting director of monitoring and inspections and chairing internal committees. The hearing also examined the practice of channeling some commission funds through personal accounts of staff members, with MPs directing police investigators to review bank statements and asking the staff involved to record statements.

The committee further pressed Mutumba and other UHRC officials over how complaints are closed. One cited case involved a Bundibugyo complainant whose file was closed after the commission found a police officer had acted in self-defence, but questions were raised about the timing and communication of that decision. Mutumba said she does not have authority to close cases and that the commission makes those decisions. The inquiry matters because it touches on UHRC’s credibility, internal controls and how human rights complaints are processed and communicated to the public.