COSASE Orders Arrest of UHRC Chairperson Mariam Wangadya for Contempt

Justice Mariam Wangadya, the Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), is facing an arrest order from Parliament’s COSASE committee. The directive was issued after Wangadya failed to appear before the committee for the second time to address queries regarding the commission’s financial accountability and expenditure for the 2024/2025 financial year.

COSASE, under the chairmanship of MP Muwada Nkunyingi, instructed security officials to ensure Wangadya is brought before them by Tuesday at 9:00 AM. This action was prompted by Wangadya’s communication to the committee stating her preference to appear before the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights instead of COSASE.

On Monday, the UHRC’s accounting officer and other commissioners appeared before COSASE. However, Wangadya was absent, having reportedly sent a letter indicating her refusal to appear before COSASE, while expressing willingness to engage with other parliamentary committees.

Committee members expressed strong disapproval of Wangadya’s stance, viewing it as contempt of Parliament. They argued that she cannot dictate which parliamentary committee she is answerable to. Concerns were also raised about Wangadya’s commitment to her role, given her previously submitted resignation letter, which cited a toxic work environment.

Although Wangadya had submitted her resignation, it had not been formally accepted by President Museveni, meaning she remained the substantive chairperson and accountable to Parliament. COSASE deemed her refusal to appear as a direct affront to parliamentary authority and consequently issued the arrest warrant to compel her attendance.

https://nilepost.co.ug/news/362326/cosase-directs-arrest-of-wangadya