The petition also accuses the Commission’s leadership of diverting approximately sh2 billion from the institution’s sh10.4bn budget to increase salaries for commissioners, including Wangadya, as well as members of staff.
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) is facing renewed scrutiny after a petition accused its chairperson, Mariam Wangadya, alongside other senior officials, of financial mismanagement and abuse of office.
According to the petition, some commissioners allege that Wangadya authorized National Social Security Fund (NSSF) contributions for herself despite reportedly not qualifying under existing public service regulations. The petition states that she was appointed to the Commission in September 2021 at the age of 56, an age the complainants claim made her ineligible for government-funded NSSF contributions. Despite this, they allege she instructed the Human Resources department to continue remitting the government’s 10 percent contribution on her behalf.
The petition also accuses the Commission’s leadership of diverting approximately sh2 billion from the institution’s sh10.4bn budget to increase salaries for commissioners, including Wangadya, as well as members of staff.
CDF Muhoozi Meets Nation Media Group Leadership as Talks Begin Over Closure of NMG Outlets
Further claims relate to the procurement of luxury vehicles and 60kVA generators allegedly purchased for the private residences of senior officials at a reported cost of about sh160m. In a separate allegation, Commissioner Crispin Kaheru is said to have sought sh44m for the installation of a generator at his residence, although the request was reportedly turned down.
The petition additionally raises concerns over what it describes as excessive official travel, alleging that trips to destinations including the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Nairobi were treated as opportunities for personal financial gain rather than legitimate official assignments. The petitioners have called for a thorough review of the expenditure related to these travels.
The allegations have not been independently verified. At the time of publication, Wangadya and the other officials named in the petition had not publicly responded to the claims.
If the allegations are confirmed through official investigations, they could prompt closer examination of financial management practices within the UHRC, the constitutional body charged with promoting and protecting human rights in Uganda.
IGP Reshuffles 178 Senior Police Officers in Major Security Shake-up