By The Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Mariam Wangadya, has resigned from her position, ending her tenure at the helm of the constitutional body mandated to promote and protect human rights in Uganda.
In a brief resignation letter dated July 6 and addressed to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Wangadya formally tendered her resignation and thanked the President for the opportunity to serve Uganda “in the promotion and protection of human rights.” The letter does not state the reasons for her resignation.
Her departure comes at a time when the Commission has faced heightened public scrutiny over its response to a number of high profile arrests and prolonged detentions involving opposition politicians, activists and government critics. Critics have questioned the Commission’s visibility in cases involving Dr Kizza Besigye, whose detention has attracted sustained public and legal debate, as well as Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, former Ethics Minister Miria Matembe and other political figures. Human rights organisations and sections of the public have repeatedly called on the Commission to take a more visible role in addressing alleged human rights violations.
Established under Article 51 of the Constitution, the Uganda Human Rights Commission is an independent constitutional body mandated to promote and protect human rights and freedoms. Its responsibilities include investigating complaints of human rights violations, inspecting prisons and other places of detention, monitoring the country’s human rights record, educating the public on human rights issues and advising Government on compliance with national and international human rights obligations. The Commission also has powers similar to those of a court to summon witnesses, order the release of detained persons in appropriate cases and award compensation to victims of human rights abuses. It is expected to operate independently and provide oversight on the observance of fundamental rights and freedoms by both state and non state actors.
Wangadya was appointed UHRC chairperson in September 2021, succeeding Med Kaggwa. During her tenure, the Commission continued monitoring the country’s human rights situation, including establishing a real time election monitoring centre during the 2026 General Elections to track and respond to reported human rights incidents across the country.
Government is yet to announce Wangadya’s successor. Neither the resignation letter nor any official statement issued by the Commission provide reasons for her decision to step down.
