UHRC commissioners to IGG: probe and find the truth

What the report says

Commissioner Simeo Nsubuga says the Uganda Human Rights Commission has gone about five months without a formal sitting, a situation he argues is affecting the constitutional body’s ability to process complaints and make collective decisions. In remarks reported by The Observer, he said he and two other commissioners are standing by a petition that accuses UHRC leadership of corruption, fraud and abuse of office, and they want the Inspector General of Government and other relevant authorities to investigate.

The petitioners are Nsubuga, retired Col Steven Basaliza Alaali and Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru. According to the article, they first raised concerns through the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, then reported them to President Yoweri Museveni and later to the IGG. Nsubuga said the allegations include questions about official funds, foreign travel and use of government property, and that the evidence comes from within the commission. He also welcomed parliamentary oversight, saying committees have already taken an interest.

The dispute has also involved comments attributed to UHRC chairperson Mariam Wangadya, which Nsubuga criticized as inappropriate. He said an apology she gave before Parliament was not enough and should be repeated publicly. Wangadya later apologized to lawmakers, according to the report. Separately, there have been reports that she resigned, but the government has said the President has not accepted it, leaving leadership uncertainty at the commission.

The matter matters because the UHRC is Uganda’s key rights watchdog, and prolonged internal conflict could weaken its ability to handle complaints and defend public accountability.