'We are not political rejects', ex-MPs fire back at Wangadya
While Wangadya’s euphemistic description of political appointees may have been broad, Nsubuga, who represented Kassanda South in the 10th Parliament, argued that the remarks were directed at him and two other former MPs serving on the commission.
Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) chairperson Mariam Wangadya. (File)
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Former lawmakers Simeo Nsubuga and Col (Rtd) Stephen Basaliza have rebuffed remarks that were recently made by their boss, Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) chairperson Mariam Wangadya, suggesting that the body had been turned into a dumping ground for political failures.
The duo made the rebuttal on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, while appearing before the Legal and Parliamentary affairs committee chaired by Bugabula North member of parliament John Teira (NRM).
While Wangadya’s euphemistic description of political appointees may have been broad, Nsubuga, who represented Kassanda South in the 10th Parliament, argued that the remarks were directed at him and two other former MPs serving on the commission.
“On the 3rd of this month, it was a Friday, our chairperson addressed a press conference where she labelled, specifically the three of us. Why am I saying so? Because out of the six, it is myself, Basaliza, and Jacklet (Rwabukurukuru), who are former members of parliament. She called us political rejects. People who should be thrown in the dust bin,” Nsubuga said.
He added; “Let me set the record clear; I am not a political reject. I am well conversant with this subject of human rights. I have a masters degree in human rights. I am a research fellow of Makerere University on human rights. For five years, I was in this parliament, I was a member of a standing committee on human rights. We used to look at these human rights annual reports.”
Nsubuga said he also authored a training manual with senior police officers; John Kamya and Asan Kasingye, while serving in the Uganda Police Force.
“I did the same in Sudan and Somalia. So, when His Excellency appointed me together with these other members, he looked at my CV (curriculum vitae). We are not rejects. Even if you have lost an election, members you are very useful,” Nsubuga remarked.
On his part, Basaliza (former Burahya County MP) said he was not a fluke on the commission as some people might want to portray him.
On Wangadya’s allegations that some commissioners had HIV, Basaliza said the claims had greatly disturbed his family.
Minister Mao, Wangadya to appear before MPs
Committee chairperson John Teira said Wangadya is expected to appear before the committee on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Teria said they needed to hear from Wangadya as per rules of natural justice.
“We expect to have the chairperson in the committee at 11:00am because we cannot hear the commissioners without hearing from the chairperson. We shall also call the accounting officers and some staff who are implicated. We also intend to call the minister for justice and constitutional affairs (Norbert Mao), who is their supervisor. Then we shall have a guided recommendation to the President,” Teira said.
However, it remains to be seen whether Wangadya will show up on Thursday. Wangadya was today meant to appear before Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE), chaired by Kyadondo East lawmaker Muwadda Nkunyingi to answer queries arising out of the Auditor General’s 2024/25 report. However, she did not show up.