news 11 August 2026 Nile Post
UHRC Boss Wangadya Apologizes to COSASE, Secures Revocation of Arrest Warrant
Justice Mariam Wangadya, Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, appeared before the COSASE committee and apologized for missing previous summons, leading to the revocation of an arrest warrant issued against her. She affirmed her commitment to cooperating with parliamentary oversight regarding the commission's financial dealings. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/362516/wangadya-runs-to-cosase-after-arrest-warrant
Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Chairperson, Justice Mariam Wangadya, presented herself before the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) on Tuesday, a day after the committee had issued a warrant for her arrest.
Wangadya’s appearance followed two consecutive missed meetings where the committee intended to scrutinize the UHRC’s accountability as detailed in the Auditor General’s report for the 2024/2025 financial year. Accompanied by fellow commissioners, she formally requested the committee, chaired by Muwada Nkunyingi, to revoke the arrest warrant.
“I beg this committee to revoke the arrest warrant that was issued against me. I apologise for not appearing before the committee on Monday,” Wangadya stated. She further assured the committee of their full cooperation in addressing all queries raised by the Auditor General concerning the commission’s financial management, procurement processes, and the utilization of public funds.
Additionally, Justice Wangadya withdrew a prior letter in which she had indicated an unwillingness to appear before COSASE, opting instead for the Committee on Human Rights. She acknowledged her responsibility as the Accounting Officer to answer to Parliament regarding public expenditure.
Committee members emphasized that constitutional bodies are not exempt from parliamentary oversight, especially concerning the use of public resources. While welcoming Wangadya’s appearance, Chairperson Nkunyingi cautioned that failure to honor parliamentary summons undermines the legislature’s mandate. The committee resolved to suspend the arrest warrant’s enforcement, pending a comprehensive response from the UHRC leadership to the audit queries.
This development temporarily ends the confrontation between Parliament and the UHRC over the commission’s accountability to parliamentary scrutiny. Lawmakers maintain that all public institutions, including constitutional bodies, must account for public funds.