By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Security has been heightened at the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) headquarters in Naguru ahead of the expected handover by the outgoing chairperson, Fauzat Mariam Wangadya, following her resignation last week.
Wangadya tendered her resignation in a letter dated July 6 addressed to President Yoweri Museveni.
“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,” the letter reads.
Her resignation came days after a copy of the letter circulated on social media, sparking widespread speculation over the circumstances surrounding her exit.
Wangadya’s departure follows weeks of controversy. She is reportedly under investigation by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) over alleged mismanagement of commission funds and property, including vehicles. However, she has dismissed the allegations, insisting they were orchestrated by fellow commissioner Simeo Nsubuga. She has also threatened legal action against Nsubuga, accusing him of defamation.
The outgoing chairperson recently attracted public attention after accusing President Museveni of undermining the commission’s independence through the appointment of what she described as “political rejects, poverty-stricken and terminally ill individuals” as commissioners.
“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 in a July 6, letter addressed to the President.
The remarks triggered sharp public debate over the composition and independence of the constitutional body.
Sources indicate that Wangadya is expected to formally hand over office to the UHRC secretary, Kamadi Byonabye, who will oversee the commission’s administrative functions pending the appointment of a substantive chairperson by the President.
The Uganda Human Rights Commission is a constitutional body mandated to promote and protect human rights, investigate violations, and monitor the country’s compliance with national and international human rights standards.
