Questions over the leadership of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) took centre stage in Parliament after lawmakers were told that the Commission’s Chairperson has been away from office for about four months, far beyond the period allowed under the institution’s leave policy.
The matter emerged during an ongoing meeting of Parliament’s Committee on Human Rights, which had summoned the UHRC leadership to explain concerns surrounding the Commission’s operations. However, the Chairperson did not appear before the committee, leaving commissioners present to respond to lawmakers’ questions.
Speaking during the session, UHRC Commissioner Jacklet Atuhaire told the committee that the Chairperson has not reported to office for nearly four months. She noted that under the Commission’s rules, officials are only entitled to 30 days of leave, making the prolonged absence a matter of concern.
Atuhaire also revealed that the Commission has been operating without a Deputy Chairperson, saying the position has never been filled. She explained that the vacancy has made it even more difficult for the institution to function effectively during the Chairperson’s absence, as there has been no substantive deputy to provide leadership.
The disclosures prompted lawmakers to question how the Commission has continued to carry out its constitutional responsibilities without its top leadership in place for such an extended period.
Members of the committee are expected to continue examining the circumstances surrounding the Chairperson’s absence and the vacant Deputy Chairperson’s office, as Parliament seeks answers on the management and leadership of one of Uganda’s key human rights institutions.
