Three members of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) have openly taken a stand against their Chairperson, Mariam Wangadya, triggering a heated debate about the internal affairs of the institution. The dispute escalated after Wangadya responded to the accusations against her, revealing what she described as a difficult working relationship with some commissioners and alleging that external political forces are behind the attacks against her.In an interview with the media on Friday, July 3, 2026, Wangadya said she entered the UHRC leadership with prior warnings that her tenure would face serious challenges.
She explained that after appearing before Parliament for vetting in 2021, two MPs escorted her away, and one of them warned her that one of the commissioners she would work with would attempt to frustrate her leadership.She said the warning included claims that she would be constantly attacked, humiliated, disrespected and subjected to efforts aimed at destroying her reputation. Wangadya noted that despite hoping otherwise, the difficult situation eventually unfolded during her time as Chairperson.According to Wangadya, her first engagement with the commissioner at the centre of the dispute immediately raised concerns. She alleged that the commissioner claimed to have previously influenced the removal of former Energy Minister Irene Muloni after writing a report that was later presented to the President.The Chairperson said the experience was unlike anything she had encountered in her long career.
She alleged that she was repeatedly told that security agencies, including ISO and CMI, had opened several files concerning her.Wangadya said she remained composed because she trusted her record and knew she had served the country with integrity. She emphasized that throughout her public service career since 1996, she had never faced questions about her loyalty or commitment to Uganda.She further claimed that some individuals repeatedly reminded her that she was not originally from Western Uganda and allegedly told her that she would not complete her six-year tenure as head of the Human Rights Commission.The UHRC Chairperson accused some commissioners of being behind reports claiming that she was under investigation. She dismissed those allegations as a coordinated attempt to damage her name and weaken public confidence in her leadership.Wangadya alleged that the campaign against her is supported by a group of MPs whom she previously reported to the President over claims that they sought bribes from her. She argued that the level of media attention and pressure directed at her could not have been achieved without strong financial and political backing.She claimed that one of the MPs she testified against in court is playing a major role in the campaign against her. She also accused a certain media outlet of repeatedly publishing negative stories about her and claimed that some coverage has been influenced by ethnic hostility.
According to Wangadya, although President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni later forgave the MPs involved in the allegations, they have not forgiven her for reporting the matter. She maintained that she acted as a public officer carrying out her constitutional responsibilities.The Chairperson appealed to the Director of Public Prosecutions to reconsider the decision to discontinue a case in which she was the complainant. She said she had already given her testimony and was willing to appear for cross-examination to allow the truth to be determined.She added that if the case cannot be reopened, she should be allowed to present an audio recording connected to the matter so that the public can understand what led to the current conflict and accusations against her.Wangadya also used the opportunity to highlight the importance of appointing credible leaders to the Uganda Human Rights Commission. She said the institution has a wide constitutional mandate of protecting and promoting the rights of citizens and therefore requires individuals with strong ethical standards.
She pointed to Article 51 of the Constitution, which requires UHRC leaders to be people of high moral character and proven integrity. Wangadya expressed concern that some members of the Commission may not have met those expectations when they were appointed.The Chairperson defended her personal record, saying she has served Uganda for 30 years, including eight years as Deputy Inspector General of Government and a period as Acting IGG. She said she rejected attempts to influence her decisions, refused bribes and resisted pressure from powerful people seeking personal advantages.She concluded by denying allegations of corruption and misuse of resources at UHRC. Wangadya argued that the Commission has limited funding and that claims against her should be verified with the Inspectorate of Government. She urged the media and the public to rely on facts and allow proper investigations to determine the truth behind the ongoing controversy.
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