Wangadya Admits T0 Fear of Speaking Against Atrocities by Security Forces

The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Chairperson, Mariam Wangadya, says she has at times feared speaking out against the atrocities committed by members of the security forces against civilians.          

Wangadya, who describes herself as “the most unpopular chairperson ever, revealed that intense public hostility, persistent criticism, and personal threats have gradually chipped away at her confidence, affecting how boldly she addresses rights violations during politically charged seasons.                

She made the remarks during a joint press briefing at the UHRC headquarters ahead of this year’s International Human Rights Day commemorations.                    

The national theme is “Strengthening Democratic Space, Upholding Freedom of Expression, Speech, Association, Media and Security of Person During Elections for All”.             

This year’s International Human Rights Day (IHRD) will climax into a Multi-stakeholder National Dialogue on 10th December 2025. It will feature Political parties, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of State, Security agencies, Non-Government Organizations, and Development partners. These will come together to discuss and lay strategies for a peaceful atmosphere during and after the general elections.

Responding to concerns that UHRC does not strongly condemn violence committed by members of the Uganda Police, Wangadya conceded that critics “may be partly right.”   

“We condemn acts of violence against police,” she said.             

“But we don’t go deep enough the way we do when condemning acts of violence against civilians. I must confess that this is out of fear.”     

Wangadya’s fears may not be far-fetched. In May, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), publicly warned her over her directive to release a civilian detainee from military custody.  

At the time, Muhoozi had indicated that NUP activist, Edward Rogers Ssebuufu (Eddie Mutwe ) was being held in a basement and was being taught how to speak Lunyankole.          

Her honest reflection exposed the emotional toll of leading an institution whose impartiality is constantly questioned.           

“You are listening to the most unpopular chairperson ever,” she told journalists. “Every cartoon about me is very negative—I’m always drawn dressed in yellow, sitting on a heap of torture files and doing nothing. With time, this works on you,” she noted.                

At one point, she recounted, two separate groups, one calling themselves torture survivors and another made up of widows of missing NUP supporters, stormed her office demanding that she resign.            

“They surrounded my office and demanded that I vacate,” she said. “So, with time, it works on you. You fear to go deep enough.”            

Despite maintaining that UHRC has consistently condemned violence against officers, including incidents where policemen were lynched in Agago and Dokolo, Wangadya admitted the backlash she faces has made it harder for her to speak robustly.                

“Sometimes the chairperson feels intimidated,” she said softly. “Because the tongue-lashing I suffer is a lot. Even my son has asked me, ‘Mom, why don’t you quit this position?’”              

The Commission also addressed public expectations around election-related arrests and violence. Pauline Nansamba Mutumba, Director of Complaints and Investigations, clarified that UHRC is constitutionally barred from probing matters already before the court.            

“Many cases seen in the media, like the recent Mbarara arrests of an NUP candidate, are handled by courts within 48 hours. Once someone is charged, our mandate stops,” she explained.            

However, she noted that UHRC monitors such incidents, checks on suspects’ rights, access to lawyers, medical care, and timely production in court, and advises authorities where necessary.            

Cases such as the death of Okello in Iganga district are being closely monitored, she said, although no formal complaint has been filed. Samuel Herbert Nsubuga, Executive Director of the African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (ACTV), said they have not yet documented cases of torture or severe injury during the current election period.   “We have not received any complaints so far, but should they arise, we stand ready to rehabilitate the victims,” he said.