Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) has summoned Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Chairperson Mariam Wangadya over concerns of governance paralysis at the rights body.
The summons follows revelations before the committee that the Commission has not held a meeting since March 2026, leaving key decisions on human rights complaints, policies and administration pending.
COSASE members raised concern on Wednesday after UHRC commissioners appeared before the committee and disclosed that the institution had been unable to conduct official business for several months.
Committee Chairperson Muwada Nkunyingi said the situation at the human rights body was worrying and required an explanation from the top leadership.
"We are giving her and the commission a second chance... the matters to handle are very, very concerning," Nkunyingi said.
Appearing before COSASE, UHRC Commissioner Col. (Rtd) Stephen Basaliza confirmed the impasse, saying the Commission had been unable to convene meetings for months.
"Since March, we have never had a commission meeting. So in short, there has been no activity of the commission in leadership," Basaliza told the committee.
The commissioners told MPs that the absence of regular meetings had affected the Commission’s ability to make decisions on human rights complaints, approve policies and handle administrative matters.
COSASE members expressed concern that the leadership vacuum could undermine the constitutional mandate of the Commission to protect and promote human rights, especially as complaints from members of the public continue to be submitted.
The committee has directed Wangadya to appear and explain the cause of the inactivity, measures being taken to resolve the impasse and how the Commission plans to resume normal operations.
Established under the Constitution, the Uganda Human Rights Commission is mandated to monitor government compliance with human rights obligations, investigate alleged violations and promote human rights awareness among citizens.
COSASE said it will assess the Commission’s governance, accountability and performance after hearing from the chairperson.
