By Eye Media | Kampala | July 11, 2026
Mariam Wangadya has resigned as Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), citing what she described as a “toxic work environment” within the country’s constitutional human rights watchdog.
In a resignation letter dated July 6, 2026, and addressed to President Yoweri Museveni, Wangadya formally communicated her decision to step down from the 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,” the letter reads.
Although the resignation letter did not provide reasons for her departure, Wangadya later told Nile Post in a WhatsApp exchange that she had resigned because she was “tired of the toxic work environment” at the Commission.
Her resignation comes just days after she launched a scathing attack on the process of appointing commissioners to the UHRC, accusing the appointing authority of treating the institution as a refuge for political failures and financially struggling individuals.
“You seem to treat the UHRC as a dumping ground for individuals who have been rejected by the electorate, or as a place to reward those who have persistently complained about poverty, financial hardship, or even their inability to afford medical treatment and ARVs,” Wangadya said during a recent media briefing.
She warned that appointments based on political patronage rather than merit were weakening the Commission’s ability to effectively carry out its constitutional mandate.
“How do you appoint people without credibility and expect them to strengthen this institution?” she questioned.
Wangadya further appealed for reforms in the appointment process, urging authorities to appoint individuals of integrity, competence and unquestionable character to lead the Commission.
Her departure also comes amid escalating tensions within the UHRC, with several commissioners reportedly petitioning President Museveni and the Inspector General of Government (IGG) over allegations of financial misconduct, abuse of office and maladministration under her leadership.
The allegations include claims of irregular salary enhancements, questionable procurement decisions, rapid promotions of selected staff and mismanagement of donor funds.
However, Wangadya has denied any wrongdoing and maintained that neither she nor any commissioner was under investigation.
Established under the 1995 Constitution, the Uganda Human Rights Commission is mandated to investigate human rights violations, monitor compliance with human rights standards and advise the government on policy and legal reforms.
Her resignation leaves the Commission without a substantive chairperson at a time when it is grappling with internal divisions and renewed questions over its governance and independence.
By press time, neither State House nor the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs had commented on Wangadya’s resignation or indicated when a replacement would be appointed.
