KAMPALA
The Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Fauzat Mariam Wangadya, has resigned amid fallout over criticism of Museveni appointments.
A copy of the letter, seen by Parrots Media, indicates that Wangadya requested the President to accept her resignation. However, it remained unclear by press time whether the President had accepted or rejected her request.
“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.
Her resignation comes weeks after controversial remarks she made during an interview with BBS Television, in which she accused President Museveni of undermining the independence of the Commission through his appointments.
“The President turned the Uganda Human Rights Commission into a dumping ground for political rejects, poverty-stricken and terminally ill individuals. He has consistently demonstrated that he doesn’t respect the Commission based on the people he appoints,” Wangadya told BBS Terefayina.
The current commissioners appointed by President Museveni include Wangadya, Col (Rtd) Steven Mwesige Basaliza, Crispin Kaheru, Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru, Shifrah Lukwago, Omara Apitta Lamex and Simeo Nsubuga.
Wangadya argued that the appointments had negatively affected service delivery at the Commission.
Her resignation has elicited mixed reactions, with some opposition figures saying it reflects broader governance challenges at the Commission.
National Unity Platform Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya said Wangadya’s resignation was ironic given her previous public defence of the government over allegations of arbitrary arrests, abductions, torture and enforced disappearances.
“With the way she was speaking a few months back, it’s crazy to see Mariam Wangadya being pushed to the point of resignation. We must all work for the rule of law, otherwise everyone will be forced to learn the hard way. No one can be safe in a sinking ship,” Rubongoya said.
Meanwhile, allegations have emerged claiming Wangadya is under scrutiny over the alleged misuse of Commission funds and unlawful possession of Commission property, including vehicles, as well as alleged investigations by the Inspector General of Government.
However, the allegations could not be independently verified, and neither Wangadya nor the Inspector General of Government had publicly commented on the claims by press time.
President Museveni had not issued any statement regarding Wangadya’s resignation.
