The Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Mariam Wangadya, has made startling revelations before the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, accusing the National Unity Platform (NUP) of coaching its supporters to falsely implicate security forces in human rights abuses.
Wangadya disclosed that she received a list of NUP supporters who claimed to have been abducted and tortured by security agencies, presented by NUP Secretary-General Lewis Rubongoya. However, upon investigation, it was revealed that these individuals had allegedly been promised financial rewards by the party to malign the army.
One supporter, Eric Mwesigwa, claimed to have been burnt by UPDF soldiers, but upon detailed interviews, he revealed that he was promised Shs50 million by individuals associated with NUP. Another victim of Congolese origin, named Alexandros Marinos, alleged gang rape by security personnel, but it was discovered that she was promised money and a visa to Belgium to falsely accuse the army.
Wangadya highlighted that many presented as NUP supporters were found to be apolitical and had been arrested for unrelated felonies. Out of 30 individuals presented, 12 were out on bail, and others were on police bond for serious crimes such as terrorism and vandalism.
In addition, Wangadya mentioned her challenges in obtaining information about missing NUP supporters in Mukono district, despite promises from a Member of Parliament.
Amidst these revelations, the UHRC is facing funding challenges, with budgetary provisions falling far below the required amounts for meaningful human rights promotion and protection services. The documents presented indicate that in the FY 2021/22, the UHRC budget requirement was Shs72.227 billion, but only Shs20.897 billion (29%) was provided by the government.
Wangadya herself receives Shs20,000 per day as fuel, amounting to Shs600,000 per month, a quarter of what she used to receive when she was Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG). The funding shortfall has also impacted the salaries of UHRC staff, with directors and managers earning significantly less than their counterparts in other institutions.
The Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee chairperson, Robinnah Rwakoojo, assured the UHRC that they would address their funding needs, and committee deputy chairperson Yusuf Mutembuli suggested that the funding disparity might be a deliberate move to frustrate the commission.
