Wangadya: Vicious Campaign Against Me Paralysed Human Rights Commission
Uganda Human Rights Commission Chairperson Mariam Fauzat Wangadya has apologized to Parliament for derogatory remarks made against President Yoweri Museveni. The apology follows internal turmoil within the commission, with fellow commissioners accusing Wangadya of absenteeism and failing to provide effective leadership.
Why it matters
The internal conflict and public controversy threaten the credibility and functionality of a key constitutional body responsible for human rights oversight in Uganda.
KAMPALA — Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Chairperson Mariam Fauzat Wangadya on Thursday apologised for remarks in which she accused President Yoweri Museveni of turning the Commission into a “dumping ground for political failures” and said the President should show “some respect” for the constitutional body, telling Parliament she had been pushed “to the edge” by months of internal conflict.
Appearing before Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE), Wangadya said the comments, which sparked public criticism, did not reflect her character.
“I was in the middle of apologising to the country for the language I used, which is beneath my character,” Wangadya told lawmakers.
“I’m sorry to all those I offended, but please know I had been pushed to the edge. The people who know me know that is not my character.”
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