The resignation of Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) chairperson Mariam Wangadya has triggered intense lobbying and speculation over who will take charge of one of Uganda’s most influential constitutional bodies.
Wangadya’s departure comes after weeks of mounting pressure and follows her public criticism of the composition of the commission during a recent media interview in which she questioned the appointment of what she described as “political failures” to the commission. Her remarks sparked widespread debate within legal and political circles before she formally submitted her resignation to President Yoweri Museveni.
A resignation letter seen by The Investigator,dated July 6, 2026, shows Wangadya informing the President that she was stepping down as chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission.
“I hereby tender my resignation as Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission. I thank you for the opportunity to serve Uganda over the years in the promotion and protection of human rights,” the brief letter reads.
With the chairperson’s office now vacant, attention has shifted to State House, where President Museveni is expected to appoint a new commission and designate its chairperson in accordance with the Constitution.
Although no official shortlist has been released, multiple sources familiar with the discussions told The Investigatorthat four names have emerged prominently in the ongoing consultations. The individuals are former Bugweri MP Abdul Katuntu, Deputy Inspector General of Government Patricia Ochan Okiria, former Kampala Central MP Mohammed Nsereko and current UHRC commissioner Shifra Lukwago.
“The discussions are still ongoing and no final decision has been made,” one source familiar with the process said. “Several names have been considered, but these are among those attracting serious attention because of their legal backgrounds and public service experience.”
Another source cautioned that “the President retains the final discretion, and until appointments are formally announced, the process remains fluid.”
Abdul Katuntu: The Experienced Parliamentarian
Among the names reportedly under consideration, former Bugweri County legislator Abdul Katuntu is widely viewed by sources as one of the strongest contenders.Katuntu, 60, brings more than two decades of parliamentary and legal experience.
A lawyer by profession, he holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Makerere University and a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre. Before entering politics, he practiced law with Kadaga and Company Advocates.
His political career began in 2001 when he entered Parliament representing Bugweri County.Although he briefly lost his seat in the 2006 elections, he successfully challenged the results in court after judges found widespread electoral malpractice and intimidation, leading to a by-election that returned him to Parliament.
Throughout his parliamentary career, Katuntu developed a reputation as one of Uganda’s most accomplished committee chairpersons.He headed the Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE), where he presided over several high-profile investigations into government agencies.
He also chaired the Rules, Privileges and Discipline Committee and previously served as Rapporteur of the Pan-African Parliament Committee on Justice and Human Rights.Supporters frequently point to his legal expertise and institutional knowledge. During his tenure as COSASE chairperson, he was credited with leading investigations that helped government recover approximately Shs47 billion from rogue Chinese road contractors.
He also chaired Parliament’s COVID-19 Task Force that assessed the role of private health providers during the pandemic.Katuntu was for many years a senior member of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), where he served as Shadow Attorney General.
However, he formally joined the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in 2024 after leaving the opposition.His relationship with former Speaker Anita Among has also attracted attention. The two worked closely together during their time in Parliament, with Among serving as Katuntu’s deputy on key parliamentary committees.
Political observers say his recent alignment with the ruling party could strengthen his chances, although some argue it could equally attract scrutiny from critics who value the commission’s independence.
“Katuntu understands constitutional law, Parliament and oversight better than most lawyers in the country,” one legal analyst said. “The question is whether the appointing authority believes he is the right fit for a human rights institution.”
Patricia Ochan Okiria: The Human Rights Specialist
If professional credentials become the determining factor, Patricia Ochan Okiria is widely regarded as one of the most qualified candidates.Unlike some of the other reported contenders, Okiria has spent much of her career working directly in human rights, governance and anti-corruption institutions.
She currently serves as Deputy Inspector General of Government after her appointment by President Museveni.Before joining the Inspectorate of Government, she served as a commissioner at the Uganda Human Rights Commission between 2019 and 2021, giving her first-hand knowledge of the institution she is now reported to be in contention to lead.
Her academic qualifications are among the strongest within Uganda’s legal fraternity.
She holds a Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Pretoria, a Master of Laws from the same university, a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre and a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University.
Okiria has also served as Principal Legal Advisor and later Acting Director for Legal Affairs at the Directorate of Ethics and Integrity.Between 2016 and 2019, she worked as Policy and Legal Adviser at the Ministry of Works and Transport.
Beyond government service, she is an advocate of Uganda’s High Court and has served as Vice President of the Uganda Christian Lawyers Fraternity.She currently heads the East African Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities, further strengthening her regional profile.
Legal scholars also point to her academic publications, including works on state reporting obligations and internally displaced persons in Africa.
“Patricia’s greatest strength is that she understands both the legal framework and the operational realities of constitutional institutions,” another source familiar with governance issues told The Investigator. “She already knows the commission because she has served there before.”
Mohammed Nsereko: The Independent Voice
Former Kampala Central MP Mohammed Nsereko is another name repeatedly mentioned by sources tracking the appointment process.A lawyer and seasoned politician, Nsereko first entered Parliament in 2011 on the ruling NRM ticket before dramatically falling out with the party leadership.
His criticism of government positions on issues such as the proposed Mabira Forest land giveaway, corruption, youth unemployment, presidential term limits and proposed bail reforms led to his expulsion from the NRM.
He later became one of Uganda’s famous “Rebel MPs.” His removal from Parliament sparked a lengthy constitutional battle that eventually ended with the Supreme Court allowing him and his colleagues to retain their seats as independent legislators.
Born in 1981, Nsereko studied at Buganda Road Primary School, Kibuli Secondary School and Kawempe Muslim Secondary School before earning a Diploma in Journalism, a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University and a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre.
He has practiced law since 2007 as a partner in Nsereko, Mukalazi and Company Advocates.Supporters describe him as fearless and independent-minded—qualities they argue are essential for the head of a constitutional watchdog.
Others, however, note that his outspoken political style could generate debate should he be appointed to lead an institution expected to remain impartial.One governance observer said, “Nsereko has always demonstrated independence of thought. Whether that translates into leading a constitutional commission is ultimately a decision for the appointing authority.”
Shifra Lukwago: The Insider
The fourth reported contender is perhaps the candidate with the deepest institutional knowledge of the Uganda Human Rights Commission.Shifra Lukwago has served as a commissioner at UHRC since 2021 and is already familiar with the commission’s day-to-day operations.
A lawyer by profession, Lukwago previously participated in active politics and has been associated with both the Democratic Party (DP) and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).She was also politically mentored by former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
Supporters argue that her experience within the commission places her in a unique position to provide continuity following Wangadya’s departure.”She understands the institution from the inside,” one source said. “Having served as commissioner, she already appreciates the challenges, priorities and administrative structures.”
Her familiarity with ongoing investigations and institutional reforms could make for a relatively seamless transition if selected.
A Crucial Appointment
The next chairperson will inherit an institution facing significant expectations.
The Uganda Human Rights Commission is constitutionally mandated to investigate human rights violations, monitor government compliance with constitutional obligations, inspect places of detention, conduct civic education and advise government on human rights matters.
Its leadership has frequently found itself navigating politically sensitive investigations involving security agencies, prisons, elections and public protests.
The next commission is therefore expected to confront complex legal and governance issues at a time when Uganda continues to experience heightened political activity ahead of future national processes.
Final Decision Rests with the President
Despite intense speculation, sources emphasize that no final decision has yet been taken.
“The President is expected to appoint both commissioners and designate the chairperson from among them,” one source familiar with the discussions said. “Until the official announcement is made, everything remains under consideration.”
Another source added that consultations are continuing with various stakeholders before appointments are finalized.
Whoever eventually succeeds Mariam Wangadya will take over one of Uganda’s most closely watched constitutional offices.
Whether President Museveni opts for Katuntu’s parliamentary experience, Okiria’s human rights expertise, Nsereko’s independent profile or Lukwago’s institutional continuity, the appointment is expected to shape the direction of the Uganda Human Rights Commission for years to come.
For now, the race remains open, with all four names continuing to feature prominently in discussions surrounding one of Uganda’s most consequential public appointments.
Author Profile
- Charles Gazza Kodili is a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication. He’s currently the Chief Editor at the Investigator.
Charles can also be reached via; Tel: +256 774 108978
Email: [email protected]
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