MPs challenge sh1.9b UHRC funding bid, cite lack of transparency

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Members of Parliament on the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee have faulted the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) over its proposed sh1.85b expenditure for the 2025/2026 Financial Year, citing a lack of clarity, accountability, and misalignment with its constitutional mandate.

The Commission’s budget, outlined in its ministerial policy statement, includes sh342m allocated for complaints management, sh738m for monitoring government compliance with human rights standards and inspecting detention facilities, and sh770m for research and civic education. Among the notable items in this budget is a proposal to procure 40 presidential portraits in the upcoming financial year.

According to the policy statement, the Commission’s overall budget has risen from sh30.8b in FY2024/2025 to sh33b for FY2025/2026—an increase of more than sh2b. However, MPs questioned how this increment would translate into tangible outcomes for Ugandans, particularly in areas where human rights violations remain widespread.

The meeting, held on April 7, 2025, was chaired by Bugabula North County MP John Teira. Legislators expressed concern that the Commission’s figures lacked detailed breakdowns and adequate justification.

Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) chairperson Mariam Wangadya (R) during the meeting with Members of Parliament on the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee (Credit: Maria Wamala)

“Some of the figures are just lumped together with no supporting details. A budget is about figures and justification,” said Bugweri County MP Abdu Katuntu. “What you're doing is taking Parliament for granted.”

Teira directed the Commission to submit a revised and detailed policy statement by close of business on Wednesday to allow for internal review before the committee reconvenes.

In response, the Commission’s accounting officer, Margaret Lucy Ejang, defended the allocations, stating that the funds were intended for a broad range of activities aimed at strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights across the country.

“Our activities include supporting School Human Rights and Peace Clubs in 12 regional offices, conducting 36 community parades, 12 regional dialogues on peace and elections, and a national dialogue on peaceful elections,” Ejang said.

(Credit: Maria Wamala)

She further noted that the Commission had planned six review meetings with local governments to integrate a human rights-based approach into service delivery, along with several economic empowerment programmes in regional cities.

“We’ve also planned 37 regional talk shows, over 2,200 radio spot messages in local languages, and two national television talk shows. Our civic education component includes dissemination of translated Bills of Rights in Luganda, Lusoga, Runyankore/Rukiga, and Runyoro/Rutooro, with 1,900 copies printed,” she said.

Other allocations include subscription fees to the Consortium of University Libraries and the acquisition of 18 books and interview publications aimed at enriching public knowledge on human rights, as well as the proposed procurement of 40 presidential portraits.

Erute South MP Jonathan Odur openly questioned the rationale for including portraits in the Commission’s budget, wondering whether it implied the Commission was anticipating a new President in 2026.

“Is this a prediction that we shall have a new President, or are you suggesting that the current portraits no longer represent the looks of the sitting President? Either way, this is not your core mandate,” Odur said. “You are veering off track. The Commission should focus on the rights and freedoms of Ugandans, not ceremonial displays.”

Commission chairperson Mariam Wangadya. (Credit: Maria Wamala)

Commission chairperson Mariam Wangadya conceded that the documentation submitted lacked sufficient detail and promised to submit a comprehensive breakdown. “We concede and commit to provide the detailed information requested. We are not certain about how much time we are allowed, but we will deliver it as soon as possible,” she said.