KAMPALA — Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Chairperson Mariam Fauzat Wangadya has resigned from her position, bringing an abrupt end to her tenure at the helm of the country’s constitutional human rights watchdog after weeks of public controversy and internal disagreements. Mariam Fauzat Wangadya
Wangadya submitted her resignation in a letter addressed to President Yoweri Museveni, thanking him for the opportunity to serve the country but offering no detailed explanation for her decision. The resignation has since been confirmed by the Commission’s spokesperson.
“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,” the brief letter reads.
Her departure comes at a time when the Commission has been under intense public scrutiny following disagreements among commissioners over governance and the management of the institution. In recent weeks, Wangadya publicly questioned the manner in which commissioners are appointed, arguing that the Commission’s independence was being undermined.
The resignation also follows reports of internal disputes and allegations of mismanagement within the Commission, issues that have dominated public debate and raised concerns about the future of one of Uganda’s key constitutional bodies responsible for promoting and protecting human rights.
Wangadya, an advocate with decades of experience in the justice sector, first served as one of the pioneer commissioners when the Uganda Human Rights Commission was established before later becoming Deputy Inspector General of Government. She was appointed UHRC Chairperson in 2021, succeeding the late Meddie Ssozi Kaggwa. During her tenure, she oversaw investigations into human rights complaints, advocated for improved detention conditions and repeatedly called for stronger protection of fundamental freedoms.
Her resignation now leaves a leadership vacuum at the Commission, with attention expected to shift to President Museveni, who will appoint a new chairperson subject to the constitutional process.
Human rights advocates say the transition will be closely watched, given the Commission’s constitutional mandate to investigate human rights violations, monitor government compliance with human rights obligations and advise Parliament on matters affecting the protection of citizens’ rights.
The Presidency had not immediately issued a statement on the resignation by the time of this publication.
