The Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Mariam Fauzat Wangadya, has resigned from her position, bringing an end to her tenure at the country’s constitutional human rights body.
In a resignation letter addressed to President Yoweri Museveni and dated July 6, Wangadya formally notified the Head of State of her decision 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,” Wangadya wrote.
She did not disclose the reasons for her resignation in the brief letter.
Wangadya’s resignation comes barely a week after she publicly criticised President Museveni over the calibre of appointments made to the Commission.
She accused the President of turning the Uganda Human Rights Commission into what she described as a “dumping ground for failed politicians,” arguing that political appointments were undermining the independence and effectiveness of the institution.
Her remarks sparked public debate, with some critics describing them as inappropriate, while others praised her for speaking out on what they viewed as growing concerns over the Commission’s independence.
Wangadya was appointed Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission in 2021 by President Museveni.
