Da Dona
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
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Mariam Fauzat Wangadya has resigned as chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), bringing an abrupt end to her tenure at the helm of the country's constitutional human rights body.
In a resignation letter dated July 6, 2026 and addressed to President Yoweri Museveni, Wangadya wrote:
"I hereby tender my resignation as Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission."
She thanked the President for giving her the opportunity to serve Uganda through the promotion and protection of human rights but did not state the reasons for her resignation or indicate when it would take effect.
Her resignation comes just days after she publicly criticised President Museveni over appointments to the Commission, accusing him of turning the UHRC into what she described as a "dumping ground" for failed politicians instead of appointing qualified individuals.
Speaking at a press conference last week, Wangadya said the nature of appointments to the Commission showed a lack of respect for the institution.
She argued that many appointees were politicians rejected by voters or individuals seeking employment after unsuccessful political careers, rather than people best suited to protect and promote human rights.
Her departure also follows weeks of turmoil within the Commission. Three commissioners petitioned the President and the Inspector General of Government (IGG), accusing Wangadya of financial misconduct, abuse of office and maladministration, allegations she publicly denied while describing the dispute as a coordinated campaign to discredit her leadership.
A lawyer by profession, Wangadya previously served as Deputy Inspector General of Government before being appointed UHRC chairperson in 2021. She had also been one of the Commission's founding members, serving for 17 years before joining the Inspectorate of Government.
