People
'Yes, it's true I have resigned' — UHRC chairperson Wangadya
A resignation letter dated July 6, purportedly written by Wangadya and addressed to President Yoweri Museveni, circulated on social media platforms.
Justice Mariam Wangadya, pictured in a recent interview with New Vision, has confirmed she has quit as the chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission. (Credit: Maria Wamala)
By: Nicholas Kajoba and Juliet Waiswa, Journalists @New Vision
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The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Chairperson, Fauzat Mariam Wangadya, says that she has resigned from her position.
On Saturday during a telephone interview, Wangadya said, “I have resigned from the Commission, and I have officially written to President Yoweri Museveni. I'm waiting for his response.”
Talking to New Vision journalists, Wangadya revealed that the letter to the President was copied to the Minister of Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao.
During an interview, Wangadya said that she had quit the Commission because she "could no longer hold on".
Mariam Wangadya was appointed as the chairperson of the UHRC by President Museveni on July 15, 2021, replacing the late former Chairperson Meddie Kaggwa. Previously, she had served as the Deputy Inspector General of Government.
Asked about the wins in her tenure, Wagandya said, "I have tried my best to pull the Commission away from the ideology that fighting crime is wrong or tantamount to violating human rights.
That ideology is not acceptable to me, and I was fighting to have balanced positions. That has been one of my battles, she stated while listing some of her achievements.
Mariam Wangadya was appointed as the chairperson of the UHRC by President Museveni on July 15, 2021, replacing the late former Chairperson Meddie Kaggwa. Previously, she had served as the Deputy Inspector General of Government.
Asked about the wins in her tenure, Wagandya said, "I have tried my best to pull the Commission away from the ideology that fighting crime is wrong or tantamount to violating human rights.
That ideology is not acceptable to me, and I was fighting to have balanced positions. That has been one of my battles, she stated while listing some of her achievements.
"Interestingly, what I consider to be my achievements are part of the reasons that I have been horded out of office.
For instance, I have tried to re-orient the Uganda Human Rights Commission from perceptions that security agencies are enemies of the people.
I have left, and I will not be in the office on Monday. I will not say anything more till get a response from President Museveni.
After the President approves my resignation, I will give a press briefing", she added before ending the interview.
Established under the 1995 Constitution, the Uganda Human Rights Commission is mandated to investigate human rights violations, monitor compliance with human rights standards and advise the government on policy and legal reforms.
For instance, I have tried to re-orient the Uganda Human Rights Commission from perceptions that security agencies are enemies of the people.
I have left, and I will not be in the office on Monday. I will not say anything more till get a response from President Museveni.
After the President approves my resignation, I will give a press briefing", she added before ending the interview.
Established under the 1995 Constitution, the Uganda Human Rights Commission is mandated to investigate human rights violations, monitor compliance with human rights standards and advise the government on policy and legal reforms.