Tensions Rock UHRC, Furious Chairperson Mariam Wangadya Resigns

By Swift Reporter

The Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Mariam Wangadya, has resigned from her position, just days after publicly accusing President Yoweri Museveni of undermining the constitutional body through what she described as politically motivated appointments.

Wangadya’s resignation is contained in a brief letter addressed to President Museveni and dated July 6, 2026, in which she formally stepped down from the helm of the country’s top human rights watchdog.

“I hereby tender my resignation as Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission,” Wangadya wrote.

She concluded the letter by thanking the President for the opportunity to serve the country.

“I thank you for the opportunity to serve Uganda over the years in promotion and protection of human rights.”

The resignation letter, however, does not indicate whether her decision takes immediate effect or specify the reasons behind her departure.

Her resignation comes against the backdrop of an increasingly public fallout with the appointing authority over the composition of the Commission.

Just days before stepping down, Wangadya openly criticised President Museveni, accusing him of failing to respect the independence and integrity of the Uganda Human Rights Commission by appointing individuals she said lacked the qualifications and credibility required to execute its constitutional mandate.

“I have concerns to my President. He has persistently shown us that he does not respect this institution,” Wangadya said during her remarks.

She further alleged that the Commission had become a destination for politicians who had failed to secure elective office.

“When I look at the people he appoints to this Commission, it appears he has turned the Commission into a dumping ground for failed politicians. Politicians who lose elections and run to him for appointments end up being appointed to this Commission,” she said.

Her comments were widely interpreted as a direct reference to former Kassanda South MP Simeo Nsubuga, who was recently appointed to the Commission and has reportedly clashed with Wangadya over its operations.

Wangadya questioned Nsubuga’s suitability for the role, arguing that he had brought little value to the institution.

“You dumped here people who have no credibility. They do nothing except fight their bosses. They have added no value to this Commission. Mr. President, show respect to the Uganda Human Rights Commission,” she said.

She maintained that the appointments were diminishing the credibility of one of Uganda’s most important constitutional institutions.

“The Commission has a huge mandate in the Constitution of Uganda. Chapter Four of the Constitution is the biggest chapter. It contains the Bill of Rights,” she noted, emphasizing the need for commissioners with the competence and integrity to safeguard fundamental human rights.

Her outspoken criticism drew swift reactions from several government officials.

Among them was Minister for Local Government Balaam Barugahara, who faulted Wangadya for publicly confronting the President, arguing that any concerns regarding appointments should have been communicated through established government channels rather than aired in public.

Wangadya was appointed Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission in 2022, and her term was expected to run until September 2027. Her early exit now leaves uncertainty over the leadership of the Commission at a time when it continues to play a critical role in monitoring, promoting and protecting human rights across Uganda.