COSASE summons UHRC chairperson Wangadya over stalled commission meetings

What the report says

Nile Post reported that Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises has summoned Uganda Human Rights Commission chairperson Mariam Wangadya to answer questions over what MPs described as a governance breakdown at the commission. The concern followed testimony by UHRC commissioners that the body has not convened a commission meeting since March 2026.

According to the report, commissioners appearing before COSASE said the lack of meetings had stalled official business, including decisions on human rights complaints, policy approvals and administrative matters. UHRC Commissioner Col. (Rtd) Stephen Basaliza told the committee that no commission meeting had been held since March, which he said meant leadership activity had effectively stopped.

Committee chairperson Muwada Nkunyingi said the situation was serious and required an explanation from the commission’s top leadership. COSASE directed Wangadya to appear before MPs to explain what caused the inactivity, what steps are being taken to resolve it, and how the UHRC intends to return to normal operations.

The issue matters because the Uganda Human Rights Commission is a constitutional body responsible for monitoring human rights compliance, investigating alleged violations and promoting public awareness of rights. Nile Post reported that COSASE members warned that prolonged leadership paralysis could weaken the commission’s ability to handle complaints from the public and fulfil its mandate. The committee is expected to assess the commission’s governance, accountability and performance after hearing from Wangadya.