Resign now, Rights activists tell Uganda Human Rights Commission boss

HRDU made this demand during a press conference addressing the presumed persecution of human rights defenders, activists and other civil society actors by security organs.

The activists say Wangadya has often used her twitter account to defend security agencies against accusations she claims soil the image of security agencies. In so doing, she has also accused activists of overkill in their allegations against security agencies as rights abusers.

Gawaya Tegulle, the lawyer of the union, said that it’s unfortunate that an officer of her standing entrusted to safeguard human rights in the country is hellbent on doing the exact opposite.

“She is not fit to hold that office, as a person she may be competent in other areas. Clearly her talents are not compatible and neither her conduct and sentiments compatible with what is required to hold the office of chairperson of Uganda Human Rights Commission. We want to invite the Parliament to inquire into the conduct of Ms Mariam Wangadya because she is not fit for that office,” said Tegulle

Mwafrika Nnalongo Namata, the co-founder of the HRDU, asked Uganda’s Parliament to pass the Human Rights Defenders Bill into law.

She believes that once this bill is law, it will buttress the Anti-Torture Act and Human Rights Act as reference points on the whys and wherefores in dealing with human rights activists.

“Police have made it a habit to brutalise activists during arrests and within police facilities. With little or no adherence to due process as per the legal requirement. Those apprehended are met with intimidation and degrading treatment,” she noted.

Human rights activists and the authorities have a checkered history in terms of their interactions, she hopes due process may correct this trend.