The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has wrapped up its three-day budget conference with a strong appeal for teamwork, accountability and respect for the law as the institution prepares to implement its programmes and activities for the 2027/2028 Financial Year. The conference took place at Imperial Golf View Hotel in Entebbe Municipality from November 4 to 7, bringing together Commission members, senior managers and staff from different departments.
Opening the conference, UHRC Chairperson Hon. Mariam Wangadya challenged the institution to make proper use of public funds and ensure that its activities produce positive results for the people of Uganda. She noted that public institutions must demonstrate efficiency, accountability and responsiveness while carrying out their responsibilities.
Wangadya stressed that the Commission’s work should not be limited to receiving complaints, investigating cases, inspecting detention facilities and conducting human rights awareness campaigns. She explained that its broader responsibility is to prevent violations, improve access to justice, promote accountability among duty bearers and ensure that fundamental freedoms are protected.
The first day of the meeting featured a review of the First Quarter Performance Report and an assessment of the Commission’s Monitoring and Evaluation activities. Participants used the discussions to examine progress made, identify challenges and consider areas that need more attention as the institution prepares its next annual budget.
During the remaining sessions, different directorates and departments presented their proposed budgets and planned activities. Discussions covered human rights education, investigations, complaints management, monitoring, regional operations, administration and other programmes aimed at strengthening the Commission’s ability to deliver its mandate.
On the final day, the Directorate of Finance and Administration presented its budget proposals in a session chaired by Commission Member Hon. Simeo Nsubuga. Another session, led by Hon. Shifra Lukwago, brought together the different departmental proposals for review and consolidation before submission for management consideration.
Closing the conference on behalf of Chairperson Wangadya, Member of the Commission Hon. Rtd. Col. Steven Basaliza urged staff to avoid internal divisions and work together regardless of their positions or departments. He said unity is essential for effective service delivery, adding that disagreements and factions within the institution can weaken its ability to achieve its objectives and maintain public confidence.
Basaliza also urged staff to familiarise themselves with the Constitution of Uganda, 1995, and the Uganda Human Rights Commission Act, 1997, describing them as important legal foundations that should guide the Commission’s decisions, investigations, recommendations and budget allocations. Other Commission members present included Hon. Crispin Kaheru, Hon. Shifra Lukwago, Hon. Simeo Nsubuga and Hon. Lo Apitta, alongside the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. B. Kamadi, directors, managers and other staff. The conference ended with a renewed commitment to ensuring that the 2027/2028 budget reflects the institution’s priorities and strengthens its efforts to protect and promote human rights across the country.
