The chairperson of the Uganda Human rights Commission (UHRC) Mariam Wangadya has lashed out at those who say she does not have the credentials to steer the commission work.
Wangadya, who was represented by UHRC’s director for complaints Pauline Nansamba Mutumba, was speaking at a function to celebrate press freedom organized by the Uganda Law Society (ULS).
She revealed that she is a lawyer and advocate of the High Court who has practised law for years.
“Therefore those that feel unhappy about our work should know that we have the credibility,” she said.
She promised to continue investigating all complaints of torture filed by journalists and the public.
Isaac Ogwal from the African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (ACTV) commended journalists for the agenda setting role. He appealed to journalists to utilise them for rehabilitation.
Robert Ssempala, the executive director of Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ) criticized government for it’s continuous abuse of journalists freedom and rights it is supposed to protect.
ULS vice president, Anthony Asiimwe, praised the journalists for their role in safeguarding the rule of law. He condemned all forms of press censorship saying any attack on journalists is an attack on democracy.
