By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa, Umoja Standard.
Kampala, Uganda: The Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Hon. Mariam Fauzat Wangadya, addressed journalists following a meeting with the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, clarifying the commission’s stance on several pressing issues.
Responding to queries about the existence of political prisoners, Wangadya asserted that the UHRC’s investigations at Luzira prison and other correctional facilities have not revealed any cases categorized as such in the official admission records.
According to her, the records primarily document cases of terrorism, murder, rape, and other serious offenses. Emphasizing her legal background, Wangadya stated that she could not categorize someone as a political prisoner if they were charged with other crimes, suggesting that the UHRC relies on official documentation rather than subjective labels.
However, she condemned the arrest of individuals solely for campaigning or supporting particular candidates, urging those with evidence of such wrongful arrests to come forward so the commission can investigate.
Regarding the recent Kawempe by-election, Wangadya highlighted the UHRC’s condemnation of the violence that marred the campaign and voting period, noting that several journalists were victims of assault and have since reported their cases to the commission.
She assured the public that the UHRC is actively investigating these incidents and will seek compensation for the affected journalists upon gathering sufficient evidence.
Looking ahead to the 2026 general elections, Wangadya acknowledged that the responsibility for ensuring a smooth electoral process lies primarily with the Uganda Independent Electoral Commission. However, she assured that the UHRC will work in conjunction with security agencies to ensure a fair and peaceful election.
Crucially, she emphasized that individual security officers who violate human rights during the election period will be held accountable, clarifying that responsibility rests on individual officers rather than the entire security apparatus.
Wangadya underscored the UHRC’s effectiveness in delivering justice, citing regional legal meetings and successful interventions, such as the case of a Lira woman whose son died in prison, resulting in a government-directed compensation of 65 million Ugandan shillings and the perpetrator’s imprisonment.
She affirmed the commission’s resolve to continue upholding human rights and ensuring accountability, stating, “This shows that we still have teeth and we can bite.”