Parliament has recommended disbanding the current leadership of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) and appointing a new team following allegations of misconduct, financial mismanagement and a prolonged leadership dispute that has disrupted the commission’s work.
The recommendation was adopted during a parliamentary debate on after legislators considered reports by the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE).
The reports were presented by the respective committee chairpersons, John Teira and Muwada Nkunyingi.
The Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs raised concerns about the breakdown in relations between UHRC chairperson Mariam Wangadya and three commissioners, the failure to hold regular meetings and human rights tribunals, the dismissal of complaints without proper procedures, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
The committee said efforts to reconcile Wangadya and the commissioners had failed, leaving the institution unable to operate effectively.
One of the most serious findings concerned the handling of complaints brought before the commission. According to the report, Wangadya unilaterally terminated more than 215 complaints between January 2023 and March 2026 without the commission sitting to consider them.
Some of the cases had reportedly remained unresolved for more than 10 years before they were dismissed.
The committee warned that dismissing complaints without following the proper procedures undermined the right to a fair hearing and weakened the commission’s role in investigating and determining human rights complaints.
It also noted that the last tribunal session had been held in November 2025, leaving complainants without a functioning forum in which to have their cases heard and determined.
The committee recommended that substantive human rights tribunals be established, complaints dismissed without due process be reinstated, and decisions on complaints be made through the appropriate tribunal processes.
It further called on the Inspectorate of Government to investigate allegations of financial misconduct, abuse of office and maladministration raised by three commissioners in a petition submitted in March 2026.
The Auditor General was also asked to audit the commission’s finances to establish whether public funds had been properly managed.
The report also raised concerns about commissioners Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru and Simeo Nsubuga over their alleged participation in elective and partisan politics while serving at the commission.
During the debate, COSASE chairperson Muwada Nkunyingi moved an amendment calling for the disbandment of the current leadership and the appointment of a new team. The House adopted his proposal.
“We must conclude every inquiry with an observation and recommendation,” Nkunyingi said, defending the need for Parliament to make a clear recommendation on the commission’s leadership crisis.
His amendment followed a proposal by Gomba West MP Robina Rwakoojo, who wanted Parliament to leave the decision on disbandment to the appointing authority by inserting the word “may” into the recommendation.
However, the proposal was rejected, paving the way for Parliament to adopt the stronger recommendation.
The debate exposed lawmakers’ frustration with the internal wrangles at an institution expected to protect citizens against human rights violations.
Kassanda County North MP Patrick Oshabe criticised the commissioners, arguing that their disagreements appeared to centre more on personal benefits than on the delivery of services to the public.
“It is unfortunate that the fight at the commission is about trips, cars and allowances, among others,” Oshabe said.
Terego District Woman MP Rose Obigah supported strong action against the commissioners, while Ayivu Division East MP William Tiyo argued that appointing a new team could restore energy and improve the commission’s performance.
Ntoroko County MP Edson Rugumayo, however, cautioned against measures that could undermine the public interest. He proposed replacing the appointed commissioners rather than dismissing everyone associated with the institution.
Nyendo-Mukungwe Division MP Ssebina Lubowa also called for the retention of staff who had not been implicated in the dispute, warning against allowing the leadership crisis to affect employees who were not involved.
The Minister of State for Public Service, Lydia Wanyoto, told Parliament that attempts to resolve the dispute through reconciliation had not succeeded.
“Efforts have been made by the Ministry of Public Service but we did not make good progress,” Wanyoto said.
