UHRC Chairperson Summoned by Parliament Over Governance Concerns

Members of Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) have issued a strong directive for Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Chairperson Mariam Wangadya to appear before them on Friday, July 24, 2026. This summons follows her failure to attend a crucial meeting that was to scrutinize the commission’s Auditor General’s report.

During a meeting chaired by Hon. Muwada Nkunyingi on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, UHRC officials confessed that no formal commission meetings, which are legally mandated to oversee the institution’s operations, had been held since March 2026. This lack of essential meetings has raised serious concerns about leadership and accountability within the commission.

COSASE members expressed alarm at the apparent breakdown in the institution’s leadership. Acting Secretary and Accounting Officer, Kamadi Byonabye, confirmed that he had notified Ms. Wangadya of the invitation but she cited technical issues with the Auditor General’s report as a reason for her absence. Hon. Muwada Nkunyingi warned that Parliament would resort to legal measures, including summons or warrants, if the Chairperson fails to appear, emphasizing the “very, very concerning” nature of the issues at hand.

Commissioner Simeo Nsubuga acknowledged that the commissioners last convened in March 2026, admitting that no subsequent meetings had been scheduled. This failure to hold regular monthly meetings, the primary decision-making forum for the commission, has left other committee members questioning how the UHRC has continued to fulfill its constitutional mandate, including submitting reports to Parliament.

Further compounding the problems, the commission’s tribunal system is reportedly stalled because only the Chairperson can preside over tribunal proceedings. This means that human rights complaints requiring tribunal hearings cannot move forward. The committee also learned that tribunal sessions have not been held since December 2025 due to budget constraints for hearings.

It was noted that Ms. Wangadya submitted a resignation notice on July 6, 2026, however, her resignation is not yet effective as it awaits formal acceptance by the appointing authority, meaning she remains the substantive Chairperson.

Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4512/uhrc-chairperson-directed-appear-committee