Wangadya in tears at COSASE meeting as she recounts smear campaign

What the report says

The Independent Uganda, citing URN, reported that Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) chairperson Mariam Fauzat Wangadya became emotional during a Thursday appearance before Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) in Kampala. Wangadya had been called to explain why she missed a Wednesday committee session linked to the 2025 auditor’s report, as MPs also examined claims about closed human rights files, stalled commission meetings and governance concerns at the UHRC.

According to the report, Wangadya apologised for recent public comments she said fell below her standards, but rejected suggestions that she had gone into hiding, fled Uganda or was under investigation. She told the committee she had spent months answering accusations rather than focusing on commission duties, and alleged that some commissioners had pursued a campaign to weaken her leadership. The Independent reported that she wept while discussing the effect of the dispute on her family and a resignation letter she had written.

Wangadya denied acting alone in closing more than 200 complaints, saying dismissals were made by the commission sitting as a tribunal where files lacked sufficient legal or evidentiary basis. She also accused Commissioners Stephen Basaliza, Simeon Nsubuga and Jacqueline Atuhaire of missing tribunal sittings despite receiving allowances, allegations the article presents as her claims.

The appearance followed testimony by the three commissioners, who reportedly told COSASE that the commission had not met since March 9, 2026, and described a leadership vacuum. COSASE, chaired by Muwada Nkunyingi, directed Wangadya and the full commission to return on Friday, July 24, as Parliament continues scrutiny of the rights body’s management and operations.