KAMPALA — Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Chairperson Mariam Wangadya appeared before Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) on Tuesday, August 11, after lawmakers had ordered her arrest for failing to honour two previous summonses.
Wangadya told the committee that she had resigned from her position in July but that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni rejected her resignation and directed her to return to office.
Her appearance came a day after COSASE ordered police to arrest her for failing to appear before the committee to respond to queries arising from the Auditor General’s report on the operations and finances of the Uganda Human Rights Commission.
Wangadya had previously communicated that she would appear before another parliamentary committee instead, but COSASE rejected the explanation and maintained that the committee had the constitutional mandate to scrutinise the commission.
During Tuesday’s appearance, Wangadya explained that she had submitted her resignation in July but was subsequently informed that it had been rejected by President Museveni.
She told lawmakers that the President communicated the decision by telephone and that the Attorney General had also conveyed the directive that she remain in office and resume her duties.
Wangadya said she therefore returned to work as directed.
The committee proceeded to question her over issues arising from the Auditor General’s report, including the commission’s financial management and governance.
Lawmakers also raised questions about the handling of human rights complaints and Wangadya’s public criticism of some fellow commissioners, particularly regarding their competence and performance.
Her appearance effectively prevented the arrest ordered by the committee the previous day, although the broader parliamentary scrutiny of the commission remains ongoing.
The confrontation comes amid heightened scrutiny of government agencies and commissions by Parliament, with COSASE exercising its mandate to examine their expenditure, administration and implementation of recommendations arising from audit reports.
Wangadya’s testimony also brought her previously undisclosed resignation attempt into the parliamentary proceedings, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding her decision to step down and the President’s decision to retain her in office.
The committee is expected to continue examining the UHRC’s financial and administrative affairs as it considers the issues raised in the Auditor General’s report.