President Yoweri Museveni has rejected the resignation of Mariam Wangadya as chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), directing her to return to office with immediate effect.
Wangadya disclosed the development while appearing before Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE), where she explained that she had tendered her resignation to the president but it was declined.
According to Wangadya, Museveni communicated the decision to her by telephone and directed her to resume her duties as chairperson of the commission.
“It is true that I wrote a resignation letter to the president and it was rejected. The Attorney General addressed Parliament and said my resignation was declined and that I remain the substantive chairperson of Uganda Human Rights Commission,” Wangadya said.
Her revelation comes amid mounting tensions within the commission, with disagreements over its management raising questions about the institution’s leadership and internal governance.
Three UHRC commissioners—Simeo Nsubuga, Col (Rtd) Steven Basaliza and Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru—have previously raised concerns about the management of the commission.
The trio wrote to Museveni on February 12, 2026, before submitting a separate complaint to the Inspector General of Government (IGG) on March 4, 2026.
In their petition, the commissioners accused Wangadya of presiding over what they described as systemic mismanagement at the commission.
They raised allegations of financial misconduct, abuse of office and maladministration in the running of the institution.
The allegations have exposed deep divisions within the UHRC, an institution mandated to promote and protect human rights in Uganda.
The latest development also comes against the backdrop of Parliament’s scrutiny of the commission, with COSASE examining accountability issues arising from the Auditor General’s report.
Wangadya’s disclosure leaves her as the substantive chairperson of the UHRC despite the internal disputes and the resignation she submitted to the president.
It remains unclear whether the government has initiated investigations into the allegations raised by the commissioners or what action, if any, will be taken to address the reported divisions within the commission.
The developments have placed renewed focus on the governance of the UHRC and its ability to effectively discharge its constitutional mandate at a time when Parliament is also demanding greater accountability from the institution.
