Rights Commission seeks extra sh13b to clear case backlog
Commission chairperson Mariam Wangadya said inadequate funding had crippled the operations of the commission's tribunal, which had gone for months without sitting to hear and determine cases.
Commission chairperson Mariam Wangadya said the financial constraints had left numerous complaints unresolved, undermining the commission's ability to deliver timely justice to victims of human rights violations. (Courtsey photo)
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The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) is seeking an additional sh13 billion from the government to clear a growing backlog of cases, strengthen its operations and expand access to human rights services across the country.
The proposed increase would raise the commission's annual budget from sh33 billion to sh46 billion.
Commission chairperson Mariam Wangadya said inadequate funding had crippled the operations of the commission's tribunal, which had gone for months without sitting to hear and determine cases.
She said the financial constraints had left numerous complaints unresolved, undermining the commission's ability to deliver timely justice to victims of human rights violations.
Wangadya made the remarks on November 4, 2026, while opening the commission's 2027/2028 budget conference, first-quarter performance review and monitoring and evaluation retreat at Imperial Golf View Hotel in Entebbe.
Wangadya identified the complaints backlog, limited geographical coverage, inadequate operational resources and emerging human rights concerns as some of the major challenges affecting the commission's effectiveness.
She challenged directors, managers and regional human rights officers to adopt evidence-based budgeting, insisting that every funding requirement must be justified by its contribution to the Commission's strategic objectives.
"Our budget must clearly reflect the Commission's priorities, respond to emerging human rights challenges and demonstrate a strong connection between resource allocation, planned interventions and expected results," she said.
She also urged the Commission to measure its performance by the impact of its interventions rather than merely counting the number of complaints received or investigations conducted.
On complaints concerning missing persons, Wangadya revealed that the commission had received cases involving opposition supporters but could not investigate some of them because they were already before courts of law.
Meanwhile, the commission's secretary, Kamadi Byonabye, said the quarterly budget performance review was part of an internal accountability process to establish whether the institution was achieving its planned priorities and targets.
Byonabye also revealed that the commission intends to establish three additional regional offices in upcountry areas under its five-year strategic plan.
He said the expansion would improve the commission's geographical coverage and bring human rights services closer to the people.
Wangadya further called for the adoption of digital performance management systems, data analytics and appropriate artificial intelligence applications to improve monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
She said human rights protection was central to national development, describing it as a key driver of inclusive growth, investment, productivity and social stability.