KAMPALA, Uganda – Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) has summoned Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Chairperson Mariam Wangadya after commissioners disclosed that the commission has not held a formal meeting since March 2026, raising concerns over its leadership and governance.
The development comes days after Parliament was informed that Wangadya had submitted a notice of resignation to President Yoweri Museveni, although the Attorney General clarified that she remains the substantive chairperson because the notice has not yet taken legal effect.
Appearing before COSASE, UHRC Commissioner Col. (Rtd) Stephen Basaliza told lawmakers that the commission’s leadership had effectively ground to a halt after its last meeting in March.
“Since March, we have never had a commission meeting. So, in short, there has been no activity of the commission in leadership,” Basaliza told the committee.
His remarks raised fresh questions about the commission’s ability to carry out its constitutional mandate, including investigating human rights complaints, monitoring detention facilities and advising government on human rights issues.
COSASE Chairperson Hon. Muwada Nkunyingi said the committee was giving the commission another opportunity to explain the situation before Parliament considers further action.
“We are giving her and the commission a second chance. The matters to handle are very, very concerning,” Nkunyingi said.
Lawmakers expressed concern that prolonged inactivity at the commission could affect service delivery and public confidence in one of Uganda’s key constitutional oversight institutions.
The committee’s intervention follows recent debate in Parliament over the leadership of the Uganda Human Rights Commission.
Last week, Attorney General Sam Mayanja informed the House that Mariam Wangadya had submitted a notice expressing her intention to resign to the appointing authority on 6 July 2026.
However, he emphasised that a notice of resignation does not amount to an actual resignation, adding that Wangadya remains the commission’s substantive chairperson until the resignation formally takes effect or another decision is made by the appointing authority.
Attorney General also told Parliament that the terms of UHRC commissioners continue to run on a staggered basis and that there are no legal gaps in the commission’s leadership.
Uganda Human Rights Commission is an independent constitutional body mandated to investigate allegations of human rights violations, inspect places of detention, monitor government compliance with human rights obligations and advise public institutions on human rights standards.
Governance challenges within the commission could affect its ability to investigate complaints, issue recommendations and fulfil its oversight responsibilities.
COSASE has directed Mariam Wangadya to appear before the committee to explain the reported lack of commission meetings and respond to concerns raised by fellow commissioners.
The committee is expected to determine whether administrative or legislative recommendations are necessary after hearing from the chairperson.
The outcome of the hearings could influence future discussions on the governance and operations of the Uganda Human Rights Commission.
