Wangadya breaks down, apologises to Museveni

The chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Mariam Wangadya, has apologised to President Yoweri Museveni and the country over what she described as leadership failures and internal conflicts that have crippled the commission’s work.

Wangadya, who earlier this month petitioned the president and formally stepped down from her position, said the institution has been engulfed in disputes that have distracted it from executing its constitutional mandate.

Her resignation followed months of mounting tension within the commission, including a formal petition by three commissioners who raised serious concerns about the management and administration of the body.

The commissioners Simeo Nsubuga, Col (Rtd) Steven Basaliza, and Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru wrote to President Museveni on February 12, 2026, and later petitioned the Inspector General of Government (IGG) on March 4, 2026.

In their petition, the trio accused Wangadya of presiding over systemic mismanagement, citing allegations of financial impropriety, abuse of office, and maladministration in the running of the commission.

However, Wangadya has strongly denied the accusations, describing them as baseless, malicious, and part of a coordinated smear campaign aimed at undermining her leadership.

Appearing before committee on legal Parliamentary Affairs, Wangadya said the ongoing conflicts had diverted her from executing key responsibilities under Article 52 of the Constitution, which outlines the core functions of the UHRC.

She noted that instead of supervising investigations, writing rulings, constituting tribunal panels, and engaging with stakeholders, she has spent the last five months defending herself against accusations in the media and before parliamentary committees.

“I should be in the field engaging citizens, hosting barazas, interacting with refugees, and addressing key human rights issues. Instead, I have spent months responding to allegations and clarifying that I am not under investigation, not in hiding, and not involved in any wrongdoing,” she said.

Wangadya further revealed that she had received multiple summons from different parliamentary committees within a short period, all relating to accusations against her rather than substantive human rights concerns.

She said the situation had subjected her to psychological distress, worsened by persistent media scrutiny and attacks on social media platforms.

According to Wangadya, the internal divisions within the commission have rendered it dysfunctional, with some members allegedly focusing on discrediting her rather than executing their constitutional duties.

She accused some commissioners of orchestrating campaigns to tarnish her name by filing complaints with various government institutions, including the presidency, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, the Attorney General, and Parliament.

“The work of at least half of the commission has shifted from serving the public to targeting the leadership. Meetings have become platforms for humiliation and confrontation instead of advancing the commission’s mandate,”she said.

Wangadya questioned the value for money for taxpayers, noting that the ongoing wrangles have undermined service delivery and public trust in the institution.

She also recounted her long service at the UHRC, spanning 17 years, including her role in the pioneer commission, saying she had never witnessed such levels of hostility and internal conflict.

“I have worked under different chairpersons and institutions, and I have never seen a head of an institution subjected to this level of harassment and disrespect,” she said.

Wangadya noted that the strain of the situation had taken a personal toll on her, noting that she is a single mother and the sole breadwinner for her family.

She said her decision to resign was not taken lightly but reflected the immense pressure and challenges she had endured.

“I apologise to His Excellency the President, to Parliament, and to all Ugandans. We have let you down,” Wangadya said.

Her resignation now leaves the future of the commission uncertain as government weighs the next steps to restore stability and credibility at the human rights body.