KAMPALA, UGANDA — Nyabushozi County Member of Parliament Hon. Kajwengye has called for urgent corrective measures at the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), citing concerns over alleged poor management, internal wrangles among commissioners, abuse of office and misuse of public resources.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament yesterday, Kajwengye weighed in on the debate on two reports examining the operations of the Commission. The reports were presented by the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE), raising questions about the institution’s leadership, management and ability to execute its constitutional mandate.
Among the key recommendations discussed was a proposal for Parliament to advise the appointing authority to consider disbanding the current membership of the Commission. The proposal followed concerns outlined in the reports regarding alleged administrative weaknesses, disagreements among commissioners and the management of public resources.
Kajwengye emphasized that the Uganda Human Rights Commission plays a critical role in protecting and promoting the fundamental rights and freedoms of Ugandans as provided for under Chapter Four of the Constitution. He noted that public confidence, independence and accountability are essential to the effective functioning of an institution entrusted with safeguarding citizens’ rights.
The Nyabushozi legislator argued that persistent disagreements within the Commission and allegations of mismanagement raise serious questions about its ability to discharge its responsibilities effectively. He stressed that an institution charged with defending human rights must demonstrate integrity, professionalism and respect for the law in its own operations.
Kajwengye also highlighted the importance of Parliament adopting a coordinated position on the matter. As Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights, he explained that he had not participated in the investigations conducted by either the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs or COSASE. He therefore advised the chairpersons of the two committees to harmonize their recommendations to enable Parliament to consider a unified position.
According to his submission, the two committees agreed on their recommendations, paving the way for Parliament to consider a common approach to addressing the concerns raised in the reports. Such coordination, he indicated, would help clarify the corrective measures required while maintaining parliamentary oversight of the Commission.
He maintained that the protection of human rights should not be undermined by leadership disputes, strained working relationships or alleged irregularities. He called for the necessary action to restore public trust in the Commission and strengthen its capacity to operate independently, transparently and accountably in fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities.
The parliamentary debate places renewed focus on the governance of the Uganda Human Rights Commission and the need to ensure that institutions established to protect citizens’ freedoms remain credible and effective. Any action arising from the recommendations will be important in determining the way forward for the Commission, while allegations raised in the reports remain matters to be addressed through the appropriate accountability processes.
