State Minister for Lands Persis Namuganza has backed calls for changes to the leadership of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), adding her voice to growing pressure on the institution over internal disputes and governance concerns.
According to reports, Namuganza accused UHRC Chairperson Mariam Wangadya of having frustrated her over her academic documents in the past, when Wangadya was serving as Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG).
Her remarks come as parliamentary committees scrutinise the commission’s management and ability to carry out its constitutional mandate of promoting and protecting human rights in Uganda.
Both the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee and the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) have reportedly raised concerns about internal disagreements, governance challenges, a backlog of cases and disruptions to the commission’s operations. Their recommendations have called for changes to the leadership, including its retirement or reconstitution.
The controversy has also been shaped by disagreements among commissioners and Wangadya’s rejected resignation in July 2026. Her resignation reportedly followed criticism of presidential appointments, adding to the debate surrounding the commission’s leadership.
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Namuganza’s position adds to the political pressure for changes at the human rights body, whose work includes investigating human rights complaints and promoting respect for fundamental rights and freedoms.
WATCH: State Minister for Lands Persis Namuganza has backed calls to disband the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) leadership, accusing its chairperson, Mariam Wangadya, of previously frustrating her and advising her to step aside over questions about her academic documents when Wangadya served as Inspector General of Government.
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