KAMPALA — Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Chairperson Mariam Fauzat Wangadya broke down in tears on Thursday as she appeared before Parliament’s Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, where she apologised for remarks she made against fellow commissioners and defended her leadership amid ongoing scrutiny of the commission.
An emotional Wangadya told legislators she had endured months of public criticism and personal attacks following allegations of financial impropriety and internal divisions within the constitutional body.
The committee is investigating complaints lodged by UHRC commissioners Simeo Nsubuga and Col. (Rtd) Stephen Basaliza, who accused Wangadya of referring to them as “political rejects” and demanded an apology.
During the proceedings, Wangadya apologised to President Yoweri Museveni, Parliament, the commissioners and the Ugandan public, saying she regretted the remarks and acknowledged that they had undermined confidence in the commission.
Overcome with emotion, she struggled to continue her submission before the committee, prompting an adjournment of the session. Legislators are expected to resume the inquiry on Friday as investigations into governance and leadership challenges at the commission continue.
The hearing comes against the backdrop of wider parliamentary investigations into the operations of the Uganda Human Rights Commission.
Earlier this week, Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) heard evidence suggesting a breakdown in the commission’s leadership, with officials revealing that no formal commission meeting had been held since March 2026 despite legal requirements. The committee also heard that tribunal hearings had stalled, affecting the commission’s ability to determine human rights complaints.
Parliament subsequently directed Wangadya to appear before COSASE on Friday to respond to concerns over governance, accountability and the institution’s functioning.
The latest developments add to challenges surrounding Wangadya’s tenure after she submitted a notice of intention to resign to President Museveni earlier this month. However, Attorney General Sam Mayanja advised Parliament that the notice does not amount to a formal resignation because it has not yet been accepted by the appointing authority. As a result, Wangadya remains the substantive chairperson of the commission.
Established under Article 51 of the Constitution, the Uganda Human Rights Commission is mandated to investigate human rights violations, monitor government compliance with human rights standards and provide legal remedies to victims of abuse.
