Wangadya Resigns as Uganda Human Rights Commission Chairperson

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1123 EAT on Monday 13 July 2026

Fauzati Mariam Wangadya has resigned as chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), bringing an abrupt end to her tenure after weeks of public disagreements over the leadership and governance of the constitutional body.

In a resignation letter addressed to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Wangadya announced her decision but did not disclose the reasons for stepping down.

“I hereby tender my resignation as chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission. I thank you for the opportunity to serve Uganda over the years in the promotion and protection of human rights,” the letter reads.

UHRC spokesperson Alex Bukumunhe confirmed Wangadya’s resignation but declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding her departure.

Her resignation comes less than two weeks after she publicly criticised the process through which some commissioners were appointed. Wangadya argued that certain individuals entrusted with serving on the Commission lacked the integrity, competence and qualifications expected of members of a constitutional body, remarks that reignited debate over the Commission’s independence and governance.

At a press briefing earlier this month, Wangadya accused some commissioners of working with members of Parliament to force her out of office. She also alleged that some legislators solicited bribes during the appointment process, claims that further intensified the ongoing leadership dispute within the Commission.

Wangadya also criticised President Yoweri Museveni’s appointments to the UHRC, arguing that some commissioners were unsuccessful political candidates or individuals appointed on considerations other than merit.

Her remarks sparked political debate, with some opposition leaders praising her for speaking out about the Commission’s internal challenges. However, several members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) criticised her statements and questioned her decision to publicly challenge the President’s appointments.

The controversy surrounding Wangadya has also been compounded by allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement raised by some of her fellow commissioners. Reports indicate that the Inspector General of Government (IGG) has been examining the Commission’s management, although no official findings have been released.

Wangadya has consistently denied any wrongdoing and dismissed claims that she is under investigation by any state agency.

Speaking at a recent press briefing, she described the allegations against her as false and malicious.

“I called this press conference to make it clear that the allegations against me are false and malicious. It is not true that I am under investigation by any investigative agency,” she said.

Wangadya challenged journalists to independently verify the claims by consulting the Inspector General of Government (IGG), the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) or any other relevant investigative agency.

She said the allegations had subjected both her and her family to months of emotional distress.

“I have been mentally tortured, humiliated, bullied and defamed. This has happened daily for months, and my family has not known peace,” she said.

Wangadya also criticised sections of the media for publishing the allegations without adequate verification, arguing that journalists have a responsibility to establish the facts before reporting claims that could damage an individual’s reputation.

Wangadya’s resignation leaves the Uganda Human Rights Commission without a substantive chairperson at a time when the institution is grappling with internal divisions and heightened public scrutiny over its leadership and governance.

An advocate and seasoned public servant, Wangadya has spent decades serving in Uganda’s justice and human rights sector. She holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Makerere University, a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, and a master’s degree in Public Administration and Management.

She began her career in private legal practice before becoming one of the pioneer commissioners of the Uganda Human Rights Commission in 1996. She later served as Deputy Inspector General of Government from 2013 to 2021 before returning to the Commission as chairperson in September 2021, a position she held until her resignation.

-Observer

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