government 16 October 2026 Parliament of Uganda
COSASE Cites Delays in Human Rights Cases Despite Significant UHRC Funding Increase
Parliament's COSASE committee has expressed concern over the Uganda Human Rights Commission's (UHRC) slow progress in handling rights cases and inspections, despite a substantial rise in its budget. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4671/cosase-flags-delays-human-rights-cases-despite-shs2895-bn-uhrc-funding
The Public Accounts Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) has highlighted significant delays within the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) concerning the investigation of human rights complaints, the inspection of detention facilities, and the conclusion of tribunal cases. This comes despite a notable increase in the UHRC’s funding.
During the 2024/2025 financial year, the UHRC received Shs28.95 billion in revenue, a considerable jump from Shs18.34 billion in the previous year. The majority of this funding, Shs28.87 billion, came from the Consolidated Fund, with an additional Shs88 million from non-tax revenue.
However, the COSASE report, presented by Chairperson Muwada Nkunyingi, indicates that this increased financial support has not led to the full execution of the commission’s mandate. The report details that out of 22 strategic plan targets for the period 2020/21–2024/25, only 13 were fully achieved, with nine partially met. Specifically, 1,054 detention facilities were inspected against a target of 1,350, and only 50 tribunal cases were concluded out of a target of 250.
COSASE also pointed to weaknesses in financial management, procurement, and asset management. The committee questioned the incomplete partitioning works at the head office, valued at Shs70.4 million, which were reportedly diverted for office furniture without proper documentation. Discrepancies in asset records, including 20 vehicles that had exceeded their service life, were also flagged.
Furthermore, the report suggested that internal conflicts among commission members and staff have hampered operations. COSASE has urged the UHRC to prioritize activities directly related to its core mandate and to adhere to financial regulations, particularly concerning employee compensation limits. The debate on the committee’s findings has been postponed.