Troubled UHRC Chairperson directed to appear before Parliament

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda reports that Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises has ordered Uganda Human Rights Commission chairperson Mariam Wangadya to appear before it on Friday, 24 July 2026. The directive followed her absence from a committee session reviewing the commission’s Auditor General report. The meeting was chaired on Wednesday, 22 July 2026 by Hon. Muwada Nkunyingi.

According to the report, UHRC officials told the committee that the commission had not held a formal meeting since March 2026, despite expectations that the body meets regularly to guide the institution’s work. Acting Secretary and Accounting Officer Kamadi Byonabye said he had informed Wangadya about the committee invitation, while Nkunyingi warned that Parliament could use legal enforcement measures if she failed to attend. The committee also questioned Byonabye on accountability for public funds under constitutional provisions.

Commissioner Simeo Nsubuga reportedly confirmed the absence of meetings and said the commission’s meeting is its top management decision-making forum. MPs raised concern about how the human rights body was continuing to perform its mandate, including reporting to Parliament, without convening as a governing body. The committee also heard that tribunal work had stalled because the law and commission rules require the chairperson to preside over such proceedings.

The outlet further reported that Pauline Nansamba, the Director of Complaints, Investigations and Legal Services, said the last tribunal sessions were held in December 2025 after the hearing budget was used up. Wangadya is said to have submitted a resignation notice to President Yoweri Museveni on 6 July 2026, but the Attorney General advised that she remains substantive chairperson until the appointing authority formally accepts it.