KAMPALA, Uganda — Attorney General Sam Mayanja has told Parliament that Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Chairperson Mariam Fauzat Wangadya remains legally in office despite submitting a notice expressing her intention to resign.
Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary sitting chaired by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth, Mayanja explained that Wangadya’s letter to President Yoweri Museveni dated July 6, 2026, was only a notice of intention to resign and does not constitute a formal resignation.
He said that under established legal practice, a resignation only takes effect after a formal resignation letter has been submitted and accepted by the appointing authority.
“As things stand, Mariam Fauzat Wangadya remains the substantive Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission,” Mayanja told Members of Parliament.
The Attorney General also defended the Commission’s operations, dismissing concerns that it had become ineffective following reports of investigations into its leadership by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG).
According to Mayanja, the Commission continues to perform its constitutional responsibilities, including investigating complaints of human rights violations, conducting hearings and awarding remedies to victims.
He said the UHRC has continued to issue compensation, injunctions and other legal remedies in deserving cases despite the ongoing controversy surrounding its leadership.
Mayanja further noted that the Commission remains fully constituted with seven members whose staggered terms of office ensure institutional continuity and preserve experience within the body.
His statement followed concerns raised by Kalungu West MP Joseph Ssewungu, who questioned whether the Commission was effectively executing its constitutional mandate amid media reports about investigations involving its leadership.
Responding to the concerns, the Attorney General reminded Parliament that the UHRC was established under Article 51 of the Constitution, while Article 52 empowers it to investigate human rights violations either on its own initiative or following complaints from individuals and groups. He added that the Commission’s functions are also provided for under the Uganda Human Rights Commission Act.
The clarification comes days after Wangadya informed President Museveni of her intention to step down, citing what she described as a toxic working environment within the Commission.
In recent months, Wangadya has also publicly criticised the appointment process for commissioners, arguing that appointments should be based on integrity, competence and credibility rather than political considerations. She warned that appointing unqualified individuals weakens the Commission’s ability to fulfil its constitutional mandate and called for reforms to strengthen the institution.
Her remarks came amid internal disagreements 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.
The accusations include claims of irregular salary enhancements, questionable procurement practices, rapid staff promotions and alleged mismanagement of donor funds.
Wangadya has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that neither she nor any commissioner is under investigation and insisting that the Commission continues to operate within the law.
