The Uganda Human Rights Commission-UHRC, Lady Justice Mariam Wangadya has publicly criticized President Yoweri Museveni for appointing what she described as unqualified and politically failed people to the commission.
She said the UHRC has been turned into a “dumping ground for failed politicians,” weakening an institution with a major constitutional role in protecting human rights.
Mariam Wangadya Video HERE – https://x.com/i/status/2073315815835709642
She warned Museveni to be careful and respect the commission, explaining that some commissioners add no value and instead create internal conflict so the President should show more respect when making future appointments.
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How do you (President) appoint people without credibility and expect them to strengthen this institution? What value do you expect them to add? Instead of advancing the work of the Commission, some spend their time fighting their supervisors.
“How do you (President) appoint people without credibility and expect them to strengthen this institution? What value do you expect them to add? Instead of advancing the work of the Commission, some spend their time fighting their supervisors. Rather than focusing on the promotion and protection of human rights, they hold endless small meetings, seek appointments with senior government and security officials, and even run to General Salim Saleh in attempts to have Wangadya arrested and taken to court,” she said.
Corruption Claims.This comes at a time when the commission is rocked by misconduct and corruption claims.
According to some commissioners, Wangadya joined UHRC in September 2021 at the age of 56, making her ineligible for NSSF contributions under existing public service guidelines. Despite this, she reportedly directed the HR to continue remitting a 10% government contribution on her behalf.
The petition also accuses her of irregularly allocating Ugx2 billion from the Commission’s 10.4 billion budget towards salary enhancements for herself,commissioners and staff.
Senior officials allegedly opted to allocate funds towards the purchase of high-end vehicles and 60kVA generators for their private residences, valued at approximately Shs 160 million.
They further allege that commissioner Crispin Kaheru requested Shs 44 million to install a generator at his residence, although this request was reportedly declined.
In addition, the commissioners accuse the chairperson and senior officials of engaging in excessive foreign travel, describing trips to the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and Nairobi as “money-making ventures” that warrant investigation.
In a recent statement, UHRC Public Affairs Manager Alex Bukumunhe said these issues have not affected the commission and offices are fully operational.
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