UHRC Commissioners Accuse Chairperson of Misconduct and Financial Irregularities

Tensions are high at the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) following serious allegations leveled against its chairperson, Mariam Fauzat Wangadya, by three commissioners. Simeo Nsubuga, Col. (Rtd) Steven Basaliza, and Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru have formally petitioned President Yoweri Museveni and the Inspector General of Government (IGG) over what they describe as systemic mismanagement and irregular decision-making.

One of the key grievances concerns alleged irregular NSSF contributions. The commissioners claim that Wangadya, upon joining the commission at 56, was ineligible for NSSF contributions but continued to receive government payments for over three years until March 2025. They argue these payments were illegal.

Further accusations involve the alleged irregular allocation of Shs 2 billion from the commission’s budget for salary enhancements, bypassing required Cabinet and Parliamentary approval. The petitioners contend that Wangadya unilaterally determined her own and other commissioners’ salaries, creating a significant disparity with staff pay.

Concerns have also been raised about the disproportionate budget allocated to the Chairperson’s office, allegedly exceeding departmental budgets for purported stakeholder engagements that the commissioners claim did not occur. They allege these funds were diverted through personal accounts of Wangadya’s assistants.

Charges of procurement irregularities include the purchase of high-end vehicles and generators for private residences, estimated at Shs 160 million, for senior officials. Additionally, allegations suggest extensive foreign travel, described as “money-making ventures,” and questionable recruitment practices, including the rapid promotion of Wangadya’s personal assistant to a director role over more qualified staff.

Separately, the commissioners allege Wangadya received Shs 77 million from the Chinese Embassy for ICT equipment that was never procured and that a donated vehicle from the UN has been retained by another commissioner despite the commission’s transport needs.

The IGG has confirmed that an investigation has been launched into these claims, assigning investigators to the case. However, Chairperson Wangadya has vehemently denied the allegations, stating that no investigations are underway against her or any staff and suggesting the claims are an attempt to tarnish the commission’s image. A spokesperson for the UHRC has also dismissed the reports as false and defamatory.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/uhrc-rocked-by-misconduct-claims