By our Reporter:
Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) chairperson Mariam Wangadya has asked parliament to offer her protection from some members of the Commission she described as “powerful, armed and highly connected” and whose behaviour have made her job difficult.
Wangadya made the appeal today while presenting the Commission’s report to the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights on the situation of juveniles from Karamoja Sub-region who recently appeared in media looking starved and severely marinourised.
During the proceedings, Wangadya said her life is in danger, accusing two (unnamed) members of the Commission for appearing in meetings with guns, while one appears drunk and high on “other substances.” She now wants protection but also an environment that allows her to make independent decisions.
“Hon chair the current environment cannot allow me to work freely with the most difficult time being the last friday’s of the month when i call commission meetings. Two of the members come when they are armed and one comes when she is drunk and high on some substances.” Wangadya stated.
Wangadya specifically mentioned a female commissioner who this website has established as Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru, who she claims her ruthless charcter has made job her job difficult.
Mityana Municipality MP Hon. Zaake Francis inquired how the UHRC can dispense its constitutional role with such internal conflicts.
Last month, Jacklet Atuhaire and her bodyguard were arrested by security and charged before Kajjansi Chief Magistrate’s court with attemped murder following the shooting of a one Francis Olwedo.
Wangadya said she was not suprised with the charge of attempted murder against the commissioner but she was relieved that the victim was none other than herself.
“life is in danger and i seek protection from parliament” Wangadya added before noting that when she reported to police she was promised that action will be taken but nothing has yet been done.
Later, the Deputy Inspector General of Police Maj. Gen. Tumusiime Kasigazi declined to respond to the matter but promised to consult first and present a statement to the Human Rights committee of parliament.
According to Wangadya, Atuhaire threatened her that she is under investigation and security agencies have 8 files on her.
“She has assured me that she also worked underground to remove the former Speaker from office. So for someone who is so powerful and she armed, with a volatile temper, i want this committe to support me in seeking my protection so that i can work in a free and friendly environment and take decisions free of fear or favor” she added.
Despite being an independent body facilitated by government to handle Human Rights complaints, UHRC has been often criticized for acting in a biased manner and non-responsive to Human Rights violations in the country especially in petitions from members of the opposition. In her presentation, the UHRC chairperson also noted that the environment cannot allow her to make decisions without fear or favor.
The committee chairperson Hon. Fox Odoi pledged to follow up the issue and due to the gravity of the matter, the committee is going to summon the minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs over the same.