Addressing the House during Wednesday's plenary sitting chaired by Speaker Jacob Oulanyah Oboth-Oboth, Mayanja clarified Wangadya's legal status following widespread public speculation and media reports that she had stepped down.
"Justice Mariam Wangadya remains the substantive Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission despite having submitted a resignation letter to the appointing authority," Mayanja said.
He explained that under the law, a resignation by a presidential appointee does not automatically create a vacancy.
"Issuing a notice of resignation does not amount to vacating office. The position only becomes vacant once the appointing authority accepts the resignation," he said.
Mayanja was responding to concerns raised by Members of Parliament over the Commission's leadership and operations.
He also dismissed reports that the Inspector General of Government (IGG) was investigating the UHRC.
"There are no such investigations underway at the Uganda Human Rights Commission," he said.
Speaker Jacob Oboth-Oboth urged government to ensure the Commission is adequately facilitated to discharge its constitutional mandate without interruption.
The Attorney General's statement comes days after Wangadya submitted a resignation letter dated July 6, 2026, to President Museveni, notifying him of her intention to step down as chairperson of the constitutional human rights body.
In the letter, Wangadya thanked the President for the opportunity to serve Uganda in promoting and protecting human rights but did not state the reasons for her decision.
However, in a subsequent WhatsApp exchange with Nile Post, she said she had resigned because of what she described as a "toxic work environment" within the Commission.
Her resignation followed a strongly worded public criticism of the process used to appoint commissioners to the UHRC, which she said was undermining the institution's independence.
"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 media briefing.
She argued that appointments based on political patronage rather than merit were weakening the Commission's ability to fulfil its constitutional mandate.
"When the time comes to appoint the next Chairperson and members of this Commission, I ask you to choose men and women of integrity, credibility, competence and unquestionable character," she said.
Her remarks came amid escalating internal disputes within the Commission, with several commissioners petitioning President Museveni and the Inspector General of Government 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. Wangadya has denied any wrongdoing and has maintained that neither she nor any commissioner is 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 government on policy and legal reforms.
Mayanja's clarification means Wangadya will legally remain the Commission's substantive chairperson until President Museveni formally accepts her resignation or appoints a successor.