The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has been thrown into uncertainty following the resignation of its Chairperson, Mariam Wangadya, after months of internal disagreements and growing tensions within the institution.
According to information obtained by Daily Star, Wangadya officially resigned from her position in a letter dated July 6, 2026, which she addressed to President Yoweri Museveni. In the letter, she thanked the President for the opportunity to serve the country and contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights during her time at the Commission.
“I hereby tender my resignation as Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission. I thank you for the opportunity to serve Uganda over the years in the promotion and protection of human rights,” Wangadya wrote.
Her departure comes after several months of reported leadership wrangles that exposed deep divisions within the UHRC. The disagreements became public earlier this year when three commissioners raised concerns about how the institution was being managed.
The commissioners, Simeo Nsubuga, Col. (Rtd) Steven Basaliza, and Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru, formally petitioned President Museveni on February 12, 2026. They later submitted another petition to the Inspector General of Government (IGG) on March 4, 2026, seeking further action regarding their concerns.
In their petition, the commissioners accused Wangadya of presiding over what they described as systemic mismanagement within the Commission. The allegations included claims of financial misconduct, abuse of office, and maladministration. The concerns raised by the commissioners created fresh questions about governance and accountability within one of Uganda’s most important human rights institutions.
The Uganda Human Rights Commission plays a critical role in monitoring, promoting, and protecting human rights across the country. It also investigates complaints from citizens, conducts human rights education, and advises government on matters related to human rights. As a result, any instability within the institution is likely to attract significant public interest.
Wangadya’s resignation is expected to spark discussions about the future direction of the Commission and how the reported internal conflicts will be addressed. Observers say the development presents an opportunity for authorities to restore confidence in the institution and ensure that any concerns raised are handled transparently.
At the moment, it remains unclear whether the government has launched formal investigations into the allegations made by the commissioners. There has also been no official announcement regarding who will take over leadership of the Commission following Wangadya’s departure.
As Ugandans await further communication from the government, attention is now focused on what happens next at the Uganda Human Rights Commission, an institution whose work remains crucial in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of citizens across the country.
