UHRC in Limbo: No Tribunal Sittings, No Clear Direction as Leadership Vacuum Deepens Amid IGG Investigations.
11/6/2026
Fresh uncertainty has engulfed the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) following revelations that Commissioner Lamex Omara Apitta, who was appointed to oversee the Office of the Chairperson during the absence of Chairperson Mariam Wangadya, is reportedly out of the country on official duties.
The development has deepened concerns within the Commission at a time when the institution is facing an ongoing Inspectorate of Government (IGG) investigation into allegations of corruption, maladministration, procurement irregularities and abuse of office. Staff and commissioners are now questioning who is effectively steering the Commission amid growing governance concerns and a perceived leadership vacuum.
Documents seen by this publication indicate that on May 29, 2026, Mr Apitta formally handed over the Office of the Chairperson back to Ms Wangadya after serving in an acting capacity from April 2 to May 29. In his handover report, Mr Apitta outlined key administrative activities undertaken during the period and officially returned responsibility for the office to the substantive Chairperson.
However, in a development that has raised further questions, Ms Wangadya issued another internal memo just three days later, on June 1, informing commissioners and the Acting Secretary that she would once again be “out of office” and directing Mr Apitta to assume responsibility for the affairs of the Office of the Chairperson.
The memo, which was received on June 1, does not indicate the reason for her absence, its duration, or when she is expected to resume official duties.
Complicating matters further are reports that Mr Apitta is currently in Geneva, Switzerland, attending an International Labour Organisation (ILO) meeting in his capacity as a representative of the Federation of Uganda Employers.
The situation has left many within the Commission uncertain about the institution’s current chain of command.
People are asking who exactly is steering the ship right now,” one insider said. “With the Chairperson away and the commissioner assigned to act reportedly on an international assignment, staff naturally want to know who is exercising authority over the institution.”
Another source described the circumstances as unprecedented
It is becoming increasingly difficult for staff to understand who is making critical decisions. The Commission cannot operate indefinitely under uncertainty, especially at a time when it is facing significant internal and external scrutiny,” the source said.
While sources say routine administrative functions continue through the Commission’s technical departments, concerns have emerged regarding strategic and policy decisions that ordinarily require direct oversight from the Commission’s leadership.
By Skynewsug.com
