Published on 20/06/2024
Legislators on Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE) scrutinized the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) over a backlog of 1,587 complaints for the 2022/23 period. Legislators questioned the Commission’s explanation of a lack of funds for paying complainants’ and witnesses’ transport refunds as the reason for the backlog.
Ida Nakiganda, Director of Complaints, Investigations & Legal Services at UHRC, stated that the Commission’s inability to hear the cases was due to insufficient funds to facilitate Commissioners’ travel and compensate witnesses summoned to Kampala. She explained, “Every person summoned to the Uganda Human Rights Commission Tribunal is given a witness refund. The costs of conducting sessions even within Kampala are significant due to these necessary expenses.”
The Committee Chairperson Medard Lubega Sseggona, also the Busiro East Constituency Representative challenged the logic of transporting Commissioners instead of witnesses. “Transporting and accommodating Commissioners and technical staff is more expensive than transporting witnesses by public means,” he argued, suggesting this practice contributes to the backlog.
Nakiganda acknowledged the concern, stating, “The Commission has considered this option, weighing the costs and the need for justice.”
Sseggona further questioned why the Commission doesn’t prioritize disposing of cases within Kampala during budget shortfalls, where travel costs are minimized. Nakiganda maintained that even local cases incur significant costs due to the need for transport refunds.
Sseggona highlighted high-profile cases involving presidential candidates Kizza Besigye and Robert Kyagulanyi, questioning whether their complaints were delayed due to demands for transport refunds. He pointed out that some complainants, like Besigye and Kyagulanyi, seek justice rather than compensation.
Nathan Itungo, the Kashari South Constituency MP inquired about the funds allocated for complainants who did not receive their refunds, implying potential mismanagement. Chairperson of UHRC, Mariam Wangadya, responded that refunds are given unless declined. She confirmed that Besigye signed for his refund, while Kyagulanyi opted not to accept his.
The MPs also expressed concern over the Commission’s budget execution, noting a 99% expenditure rate despite the unresolved cases. Bukimbiri County MP, Eddie Kwizera, questioned if lobbying for increased budget allocations was a factor, referencing accusations against three MPs for soliciting budget cuts.
Sseggona cited parliamentary rules that prohibit discussing active court matters, ensuring fairness to witnesses and the integrity of the Committee’s proceedings.
MPs also addressed the Commission’s working environment, with Allan Mayanja, the Representative of Nakaseke Central asking Wangadya to clarify allegations of Commissioners attending meetings armed, a claim she had previously made. Wangadya denied knowledge of armed Commissioners and requested fair treatment from the MPs.
Finally, Sseggona asked about reports that some Commissioners had not been allocated cases to hear, potentially contributing to the backlog. Wangadya denied these reports, asserting that all Commissioners work to the best of their abilities despite the challenges.
The session underscored the critical issues of resource allocation, operational inefficiencies, and the need for transparent and fair handling of human rights complaints in Uganda.
