The Uganda Human Rights Commission has reprimanded Simeo Nsubuga following a complaint of "sexist, chauvinistic, abusive and defamatory remarks" filed by Kassanda Resident District Commissioner Pheobeh Namulindwa.
Namulindwa accused Nsubuga, a former Kassanda South MP (2016-2021) who failed in the July NRM primaries, of spreading false and damaging allegations about her conduct.
In an October 28, 2025 letter, UHRC Chairperson Mariam Wangadya said Namulindwa had reported that Nsubuga used public rallies, social media platforms, and audio recordings to allege that she was engaged in an inappropriate romantic relationship and election malpractice in Kassanda.
“I have had the opportunity of listening and viewing some of the audio and video recordings of your statements. Unless rebutted with evidence, I find them sexist, chauvinistic, abusive and defamatory,” Wangadya wrote to Nsubuga.
The human rights boss reminded Nsubuga that Article 51(4) of the Constitution requires members of the Commission to be persons of “high moral character and proven integrity.”
“As a Member of UHRC, you are expected to show respect to other leaders at all levels and all peoples,” she added.
Wangadya further noted that some of the accusations made by Nsubuga were inconsistent with Buganda cultural norms and the internal disciplinary channels of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“Hon. Namulindwa and Hon. Nsamba Patrick share the Ngabi clan and in Buganda culture, it is an abomination for clanmates to get involved in a romantic relationship. Relatedly, election malpractices, if any, are handled within the established NRM internal party structures which you ought to have exploited,” she stated.
The Commission has given Nsubuga 14 days from the date of the letter to retract the remarks and issue a public apology to Namulindwa.
“You are therefore implored to uphold the values of the UHRC which include integrity, dignity of person and professionalism,” Wangadya said.
Copies of the letter were also sent to President Museveni, NRM National Vice Chairperson Al-Haji Moses Kigongo, Minister for the Presidency Milly Babirye Babalanda, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President Hajj Yunus Kakande, and NRM Buganda Vice Chairperson Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, among others.
Wangadya’s action marks a rare public censure within the national human rights body.