Mariam Wangadya has resigned as Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Daily Star has learned, following months of internal leadership wrangles within the institution.
In a resignation letter dated July 6, 2026, addressed to President Yoweri Museveni, Wangadya formally stepped down from her position.
“I hereby tender my resignation as Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission. I thank you for the opportunity to serve Uganda over the years in the promotion and protection of human rights,” she wrote.
Her departure comes in the wake of mounting tensions at the Commission, including a formal petition filed by three UHRC commissioners raising serious concerns about the institution’s management.
The commissioners—Simeo Nsubuga, Col. (Rtd) Steven Basaliza, and Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru—wrote to President Museveni on February 12, 2026, and later to the Inspector General of Government (IGG) on March 4, 2026.
In their petition, the trio accused Wangadya of presiding over what they described as systemic mismanagement, citing allegations of financial misconduct, abuse of office, and maladministration in the running of the Commission.
The developments highlight deep divisions within the UHRC, an institution mandated to promote and protect human rights in Uganda.
It remains unclear whether the government has initiated investigations into the allegations or who will take over leadership of the Commission.
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