KAMPALA, Uganda – The Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Mariam Wangadya, remains the substantive head of the Commission despite submitting a notice of resignation to President Yoweri Museveni.
The clarification was made today by the Attorney General, Hon. Sam Mayanja, during plenary, following public concern over the leadership and operations of the constitutional body.
Presenting a statement to Parliament, Mayanja said Wangadya submitted a notice of resignation to the appointing authority, President Museveni, on 6 July 2026.
However, he stressed that the notice should not be interpreted as an immediate resignation.
“A notice to resign does not amount to resignation but is merely intended to communicate the desire to resign and cannot be treated as a resignation,” Mayanja told the House.
He explained that until the resignation is formally accepted or takes effect in accordance with the applicable legal procedures, Wangadya continues to serve as the substantive Chairperson of the Commission.
The Attorney General assured Members of Parliament that the Uganda Human Rights Commission continues to operate normally and that there is no leadership vacuum.
He said the tenure of all commissioners is running on a staggered basis, ensuring continuity in the Commission’s work.
“There are no gaps in the apex leadership, management and the operations of the Commission,” Mayanja said.
His statement came in response to concerns raised by Kalungu West MP Joseph Ssewungu, who last week requested clarification on the status of the Commission’s leadership.
During the plenary sitting, Speaker of Parliament Oboth Oboth underscored the importance of human rights in Uganda’s governance.
“The aspect of human rights cannot be over-emphasised. One day, we are going to sit to discuss matters of human rights because we are all humans,” the Speaker told the House.
His remarks came as Parliament considered the Attorney General’s statement on the operations of the Uganda Human Rights Commission.
Uganda Human Rights Commission is an independent constitutional body mandated to monitor, investigate and promote the protection of human rights in Uganda.
Any uncertainty over its leadership can raise concerns about the Commission’s ability to carry out its constitutional mandate, particularly at a time when it continues to handle complaints, conduct investigations and advise government on human rights issues.
The Attorney General’s statement sought to reassure Parliament and the public that the Commission’s leadership and day-to-day operations remain unaffected despite Wangadya’s notice of resignation.
The government has not disclosed whether President Museveni has accepted Wangadya’s notice of resignation or when it may take effect.
Until the legal process is concluded, Mariam Wangadya remains the substantive Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, according to the Attorney General.
