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A major disagreement has emerged within the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) after three commissioners openly challenged the leadership of the Commission’s Chairperson, Mariam Wangadya. The dispute has attracted public attention after Wangadya came out to explain what she described as a prolonged struggle with some members of the Commission and alleged that the attacks against her are being driven by political interests.
In an interview with the media on Friday, July 3, 2026, Wangadya revealed that she had received warnings about the challenges ahead even before she was appointed to lead the Commission in 2021. She said that after appearing before Parliament for vetting, two Members of Parliament escorted her away, and one of them warned her that one of the commissioners she would work with would make her leadership difficult.
She explained that the MP predicted that she would face constant criticism, intimidation, disrespect and attempts to damage her reputation. Wangadya said that although she hoped the warning would not come true, her experience at the Commission later reflected exactly what she had been told.
According to Wangadya, her first encounter with the commissioner involved in the dispute immediately showed her that she was facing a challenging working relationship. She alleged that the commissioner claimed to have previously played a role in the removal of former Energy Minister Irene Muloni after writing a report that was submitted to the President.
The UHRC Chairperson said she had never experienced such a difficult working environment throughout her entire career. She alleged that she was repeatedly informed that there were several files opened against her at security institutions, including the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) and Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI).
Wangadya said she remained confident because she knew her record and had nothing to fear. She emphasized that since joining government service in 1996, she has maintained her commitment to the country and has never had her integrity questioned.
She further claimed that she was repeatedly reminded that she was considered an outsider because she was not born in Western Uganda. According to her, she was told several times that she would not complete her six-year term as Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission.
The Chairperson also accused some commissioners of being behind reports alleging that she was under investigation. She described the reports as part of what she called a deliberate campaign aimed at tarnishing her reputation and undermining her authority.
Wangadya alleged that the campaign against her has the backing of MPs whom she previously reported to the President over claims that they attempted to solicit bribes from her. She said the scale of the attacks against her suggests that powerful individuals are supporting the efforts.
She further claimed that one of the MPs she testified against in court has been central to the campaign against her. She also accused a particular media house of repeatedly publishing stories targeting her and claimed that some of the coverage has been influenced by ethnic sentiments.
According to Wangadya, although President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni later forgave the MPs involved in the matter, they have continued to hold resentment against her. She maintained that she only performed her duty by reporting what she believed was wrong.
The Chairperson appealed to the Director of Public Prosecutions to reopen the case in which she was the complainant. She said she had already testified and was prepared to appear in court for cross-examination so that the truth could be established.
She added that if reopening the case is not possible, she would like an opportunity to release an audio recording related to the matter. She believes the recording would help the public understand the reasons behind the hostility and accusations directed at her.
Wangadya also called for greater attention to the standards used when appointing members of the Uganda Human Rights Commission. She said the institution carries a crucial responsibility of defending the rights of Ugandans and therefore requires leaders with unquestionable integrity and competence.
She cited Article 51 of the Constitution, which states that the Chairperson and members of the Commission should be persons of high moral standing and proven integrity. Wangadya expressed concern that some appointments may not have fully considered these requirements.
The UHRC boss defended her history of public service, saying she has worked for the government for 30 years, including eight years as Deputy Inspector General of Government and a period as Acting IGG. She said she rejected bribes, resisted pressure from influential people and always protected the integrity of her office.
She concluded by rejecting accusations of corruption and misuse of UHRC resources. Wangadya argued that the Commission operates with limited funding and urged journalists to verify claims through official institutions, including the Inspectorate of Government, while encouraging responsible and factual reporting on the dispute.
