KAMPALA, Uganda — Fauzati Mariam Wangadya has resigned as Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), ending a tenure that has recently been overshadowed by internal disputes, corruption allegations and an unusually public confrontation over the appointment of commissioners.
Wangadya submitted her resignation to President Yoweri Museveni in a brief letter dated July 6, 2026, thanking him for the opportunity to serve Uganda in the promotion and protection of human rights.
“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 letter states.
The Commission’s spokesperson, Alex Bukumunhe, confirmed the resignation to Uganda Radio Network (URN), although no official explanation has yet been provided regarding the circumstances behind her departure.
Resignation follows public criticism of appointments
The resignation comes less than two weeks after Wangadya publicly criticised President Museveni’s appointments to the Commission, accusing the appointing authority of failing to uphold the integrity and independence expected of Uganda’s constitutional human rights body.
During a press conference held in Kampala, Wangadya alleged that some commissioners appointed to the UHRC lacked the qualifications and integrity required for the role.
She further claimed that certain appointments appeared politically motivated, suggesting that some commissioners were either former politicians rejected by voters or individuals appointed as a form of economic relief.
Her remarks drew significant attention because they represented one of the rare occasions in which the head of a constitutional commission publicly challenged presidential appointments.
The comments sparked debate across Uganda’s political landscape, with opposition figures largely supporting her concerns while several ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters criticised both the content of her remarks and her decision to address them publicly.
Internal commission disputes
Wangadya’s resignation also comes amid growing internal tensions within the Commission itself.
In recent weeks, reports emerged indicating that some commissioners had accused her of corruption, mismanagement and abuse of office.
Although no formal findings have been made public, reports indicate that the Inspector General of Government (IGG) has been examining complaints related to the management of the Commission.
At the same press conference where she criticised the appointments process, Wangadya denied wrongdoing and instead accused some commissioners of orchestrating a campaign to remove her from office.
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She alleged that certain commissioners had collaborated with Members of Parliament in efforts aimed at undermining her leadership.
The allegations and counter-allegations exposed deep divisions within an institution mandated to protect human rights, investigate abuses and hold public authorities accountable.
Unanswered questions
While Wangadya’s departure has now been confirmed, several questions remain unanswered.
Neither the Presidency nor the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has issued a detailed statement explaining the circumstances surrounding her resignation.
It also remains unclear whether the allegations involving the Commission’s leadership influenced her decision to step down or whether her public disagreement over appointments played a decisive role.
The government is now expected to begin the process of appointing a new chairperson, subject to the constitutional procedures governing the Commission.
For now, Wangadya leaves office amid one of the most turbulent periods in the Commission’s recent history, with investigations, leadership disputes and questions about institutional independence still unresolved.
