MPs Grill UHRC Director Over Rapid Promotions, Multiple Roles, and Fund Handling

Lawmakers on the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) have raised significant questions regarding the rapid ascent and multiple responsibilities held by Pauline Nansamba Mutumba, the Director of Complaints, Investigations, and Legal Services at the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC).

The committee, led by MP Muwada Nkunyingi, is examining how Mutumba transitioned from Personal Assistant to UHRC Chairperson Mariam Wangadya to a senior director within a short period. Joining the commission in October 2021, she was promoted from Personal Assistant to Principal Human Resource Officer in 2023, and subsequently to her current directorial role.

Further scrutiny focused on Mutumba holding additional acting roles, including Acting Director of Monitoring and Inspections, and chairing committees for contracts and fleet management. The concentration of these duties in one individual has prompted inquiries into the approval processes and adherence to public service regulations.

COSASE also delved into financial practices, specifically the deposition of commission activity funds into personal bank accounts of staff, including Mutumba and Doreen Nabatte. The committee has directed the police to investigate bank statements for the 2024/25 financial year and has ordered Mutumba and Nabatte to provide statements regarding these transactions.

Questions were also raised about the procedure for closing human rights complaints, with specific reference to a case involving Godfrey Kierere. MPs questioned the transparency and timeliness of decisions, particularly when complainants allegedly learned of case closures long after tribunal sittings. Mutumba clarified that the authority to close cases rests with the commission itself, not her role as registrar.

Allegations of business class travel and issues surrounding procurement procedures and the use of commission resources were also part of the committee’s examination.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/mps-question-uhrc-director-nansamba-over-holding-multiple-roles