Commissioners of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) have been sworn in after appearing to contradict evidence they previously gave before Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE).

The development follows the commissioners’ appearance before COSASE on July 27, 2026, when they reportedly attributed the commission’s failure to function effectively to its Chairperson, Mariam Wangadya, particularly over her alleged failure to facilitate sittings of the Human Rights Tribunal.

However, during their appearance before the same committee today, and in the presence of Wangadya, the commissioners appeared hesitant when asked to repeat their earlier statements implicating the chairperson.

Their reluctance reportedly surprised members of the committee, prompting COSASE Chairperson Muwada Nkunyingi to direct the commissioners to take an oath before continuing with their testimony.

Those sworn in were Shifra Lukwago, Peter Omara, Simeo Nsubuga, Steven Basaliza, Jackline Atuhayira and Chrispin Kayeru.

The committee is investigating the circumstances surrounding the operations and effectiveness of the Uganda Human Rights Commission.

At the start of the proceedings, Wangadya was also asked to apologise to the committee for allegedly failing to honour its invitation on two previous occasions.

She was subsequently sworn in and required to affirm that all evidence she would provide before the committee would be truthful.

In her submission, Wangadya told the committee that President Yoweri Museveni had rejected her resignation dated July 6, 2026, and instead directed her to return to office and continue executing her mandate.

Wangadya said the President communicated the decision to her during a telephone call, instructing her to immediately return to office if she had already left.

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