KAMPALA: Mariam Wangadya has resigned as Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), bringing to an end her tenure at the country’s constitutional human rights watchdog amid reports of growing internal disagreements within the institution.
Her departure follows days of public debate sparked by remarks she made during an internal briefing, in which she questioned the process of appointing commissioners to the Commission. The comments, which circulated widely on social media after a video of the meeting leaked, came against the backdrop of longstanding tensions within the UHRC.
In a resignation letter dated July 6, 2026, addressed to President Museveni, Wangadya formally communicated her decision to step down from office.
“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.
The resignation letter did not state the reasons for her decision. However, Wangadya later told local media that she had stepped down because of what she described as a “toxic work environment” within the Commission.
In the widely circulated video, Wangadya criticised the manner in which commissioners are appointed, arguing that the institution should be led by individuals selected on merit rather than political considerations.
“You seem to treat the UHRC as a dumping ground for individuals who have been rejected by the electorate, or as a place to reward those who have persistently complained about poverty, financial hardship, or even their inability to afford medical treatment and ARVs,” she said.
She further argued that appointments based on political patronage weaken the Commission’s ability to execute its constitutional mandate effectively.
“How do you appoint people without credibility and expect them to strengthen this institution?” she asked.
Wangadya also urged reforms to the appointment process, saying future leaders of the Commission should be chosen on the basis of integrity, competence and credibility.
“My tenure ends in September next year. But when the time comes to appoint the next Chairperson and members of this Commission, I ask you to choose men and women of integrity, credibility, competence, and unquestionable character,” she said.
Her resignation comes after months of reported disagreements within the Commission. Several commissioners are reported to have petitioned President Museveni and the Inspector General of Government (IGG), alleging financial misconduct, abuse of office and maladministration under Wangadya’s leadership.
The allegations reportedly include irregular salary enhancements, procurement decisions, promotions of selected staff and the management of donor-funded resources.
Wangadya has previously denied the accusations, maintaining that neither she nor any commissioner was under investigation.
Her exit leaves the Uganda Human Rights Commission without a substantive chairperson as it faces continued scrutiny over its governance and internal operations.
Established under the 1995 Constitution, the UHRC is mandated to investigate human rights violations, monitor compliance with human rights standards and advise government on legal and policy reforms.
By press time, neither State House nor the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs had issued an official statement on Wangadya’s resignation or indicated when a replacement would be appointed.