government 18 October 2026 Parliament of Uganda
COSASE Questions UHRC Performance Amidst Significant Funding Increase
Despite receiving Shs28.95 billion, the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has faced scrutiny from COSASE for significant delays in case investigations, tribunal conclusions, and facility inspections, impacting access to justice. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4671/cosase-flags-delays-human-rights-cases-despite-shs2895-bn-uhrc-funding
The Public Accounts Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) has expressed serious concerns regarding the Uganda Human Rights Commission’s (UHRC) effectiveness in carrying out its mandate, particularly in handling human rights complaints and conducting tribunal cases. These concerns arise despite a substantial increase in the commission’s funding.
During a plenary session, COSASE Chairperson Muwada Nkunyingi presented a report highlighting several weaknesses within the UHRC. These include issues with financial management, procurement processes, asset upkeep, and the execution of its strategic plan. The report, covering the audit year ending December 2025, noted that while the UHRC’s revenue rose from Shs18.34 billion to Shs28.95 billion, this financial boost did not translate into proportional progress in fulfilling its core functions.
Specifically, the commission fell short of its targets for inspecting detention facilities, investigating registered cases, and concluding tribunal matters. Out of a target of 1,350 detention facility inspections, only 1,054 were completed. Furthermore, only 50 out of a targeted 250 tribunal cases were concluded, and 19% of registered complaints remained uninvestigated. This directly impacted the public’s access to justice during the 2020/21–2024/25 strategic plan period.
COSASE also pointed to procurement irregularities, including uncompleted partitioning works and a lack of evidence for redirected funds. Discrepancies in asset records, including aging vehicles and underutilized land, were also flagged. The committee attributed some of the operational setbacks to internal conflicts within the commission. COSASE has urged the UHRC to prioritize mandate-related activities and adhere to financial regulations, particularly concerning expenditure on employee compensation. The debate on the committee’s report has been postponed to a future sitting.