Fauzati Mariam Wangadya has resigned as chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, ending her tenure amid disputes over the institution’s leadership and governance.
Wangadya announced her departure in a resignation letter addressed to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. She did not explain why she had decided to step down.
“I hereby tender my resignation as chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission. I thank you for the opportunity to serve Uganda over the years in the promotion and protection of human rights,” the letter states.
UHRC spokesperson Alex Bukumunhe confirmed the resignation but did not provide further details about the circumstances surrounding her departure.
Wangadya resigned less than two weeks after publicly questioning the appointment of some commissioners to the constitutional body.
She argued that some of those appointed lacked the integrity and qualifications required to serve on the Commission.
During a press briefing earlier this month, Wangadya accused some commissioners of working with members of Parliament to remove her from office.
She also alleged that some legislators had sought bribes during the process. The allegations intensified an already growing dispute within the Commission.
Wangadya further criticised some of President Museveni’s appointments to the UHRC. She argued that certain commissioners were unsuccessful political candidates or had received appointments for reasons unrelated to merit.
Her comments triggered political debate.
Some opposition leaders praised her for speaking publicly about the Commission’s internal challenges. However, several members of the ruling National Resistance Movement criticised her remarks.
They also questioned her decision to publicly challenge the authority responsible for appointing UHRC commissioners.
Wangadya denied corruption allegations
Her departure also follows allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement raised by some fellow commissioners.
Reports indicated that the Inspector General of Government had been examining the Commission’s management. However, authorities had not released any official findings.
Wangadya consistently denied wrongdoing and rejected claims that investigative agencies were probing her conduct.
“I called this press conference to make it clear that the allegations against me are false and malicious. It is not true that I am under investigation by any investigative agency,” she said during her recent media briefing.
She asked journalists to verify the allegations with the Inspector General of Government, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and the Criminal Investigations Directorate.
She also encouraged reporters to consult any other relevant investigative agency before publishing the claims.
According to Wangadya, the allegations caused prolonged emotional distress to her and her family.
“I have been mentally tortured, humiliated, bullied and defamed. This has happened daily for months, and my family has not known peace,” she said.
She criticised sections of the media for publishing the allegations without sufficient verification.
Wangadya argued that journalists must establish facts before reporting claims that could damage an individual’s reputation.
UHRC left without substantive chairperson
Wangadya’s resignation leaves the Uganda Human Rights Commission without a substantive chairperson.
Her departure comes as the constitutional body faces internal divisions and increased public scrutiny over its leadership and governance.
Wangadya is an advocate and veteran public servant who has worked in Uganda’s justice and human rights sectors for several decades.
She holds a law degree from Makerere University and a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre. She also has a master’s degree in Public Administration and Management.
Wangadya began her career in private legal practice before becoming one of the pioneer commissioners of the Uganda Human Rights Commission in 1996.
She later served as Deputy Inspector General of Government from 2013 until 2021.
Wangadya returned to the Commission as chairperson in September 2021 and served in the position until her resignation.