Former intelligence chief Gen. David Sejusa has weighed in on the resignation of former Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Chairperson Mariam Fauzat Wangandya, arguing that her recent actions should not be quickly dismissed but instead examined for possible deeper causes.Sejusa said Wangandya’s behaviour has raised important questions because it differs from the image many Ugandans had of her as a disciplined and professional public servant. He suggested that her actions may have been influenced by circumstances that are not fully known to the public.
The former spy chief described Wangandya as someone with a long record of service and professional achievement, highlighting her previous roles as Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG), her legal career, and her involvement with the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA).According to Sejusa, Wangandya’s past reputation does not match the idea that she would act recklessly without reason. He questioned what events may have pushed her to publicly criticise President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and eventually leave her position.“Something happened,” Sejusa suggested, referring to Wangandya’s claims that she and her family had received threats. He questioned the source of those threats and whether they contributed to the circumstances surrounding her resignation.Sejusa defended Wangandya against claims that her actions were simply emotional or irrational, saying she should instead be viewed as someone who may have been under significant pressure.
He argued that the situation requires deeper investigation, including examining what he described as the hidden or less visible aspects of the matter. According to him, understanding what happened behind the scenes could provide answers about the forces or circumstances that influenced her decision.The former intelligence officer also suggested that President Museveni, given his position and access to state information, may already have knowledge about some of the issues surrounding Wangandya’s departure.Wangandya’s resignation from the UHRC chairperson position has sparked widespread debate, with opinions divided over her public statements, her leadership at the commission, and the circumstances that led to her exit.
