Wangadya remains UHRC chairperson — Attorney General Mayanja
“As matters stand, she remains the substantive Chairperson of the Commission,” Mayanja told MPs during the plenary sitting on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, chaired by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth.
Attorney General Sam Mayanja said that Wangadya's submission of a notice to President Yoweri Museveni on 6 July 2026 did not amount to an actual resignation.
KAMPALA - Parliament has learnt that Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Chairperson Mariam Fauzat Wangadya remains in office because her notice expressing an intention to resign has not yet taken legal effect.
Attorney General Sam Mayanja said that Wangadya's submission of a notice to President Yoweri Museveni on 6 July 2026 did not amount to an actual resignation.
Under established legal practice, he said, a resignation only takes effect after a formal resignation letter is submitted and accepted by the appointing authority.
“As matters stand, she remains the substantive Chairperson of the Commission,” Mayanja told MPs during the plenary sitting on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, chaired by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth.
Mayanja defended the operational status of the UHRC, saying the constitutional body continues to discharge its mandate. “No investigations are being carried out by the Inspector General of Government (IGG) about the chairperson, member or staff of the commission,” Mayanja said.
“The Commission has continued to issue remedies in deserving cases, including compensation awards, injunctive relief and other legal redress for victims of rights abuses,” he said.
The Attorney General said the Commission remains fully constituted with seven members, including the chairperson, whose staggered terms of office ensure continuity and preserve institutional memory.
His statement followed concerns raised by Joseph Ssewungu (Kalungu West County, NUP) during the 7 July plenary sitting. Ssewungu questioned whether the Commission was effectively carrying out its constitutional mandate following media reports about investigations into its leadership.
Mayanja reminded Parliament that the UHRC was established under Article 51 of the Constitution, while Article 52 mandates it to investigate human rights violations either on its own initiative or following complaints from individuals or groups.
Its functions are further provided for under the Uganda Human Rights Commission Act, Cap. 26.
Wangadya wrote to President Museveni on 6 July 2026 expressing her intention to resign as chairperson of the Commission. She told the media what she described as a toxic working environment within the Commission.
Earlier, she had publicly criticised the process of appointing commissioners, arguing that appointments should be based on integrity, competence and credibility rather than political considerations.
She warned that appointing individuals without the necessary qualifications undermines the Commission's ability to fulfil its constitutional mandate and appealed for reforms to strengthen the institution. Her remarks came amid internal disputes within the Commission.
Several commissioners petitioned President Museveni and the Inspector General of Government, alleging financial misconduct, abuse of office and maladministration under Wangadya's leadership.
The allegations include claims of irregular salary enhancements, questionable procurement decisions, rapid staff promotions and mismanagement of donor funds.
Wangadya has denied the allegations and maintained that neither she nor any commissioner was under investigation.