By Sir Dean Lubowa Saava
TV10 Investigative Desk
KAMPALA — TV10 Investigative Desk has established that an intense behind-the-scenes battle is unfolding over who will eventually replace Mariam Wangadya as Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), with senior legal and political figures quietly positioning themselves for one of Uganda’s most influential constitutional offices.
The developments come despite indications that President Yoweri Museveni may not be in a hurry to appoint a replacement, as Wangadya’s resignation is yet to be accepted and her current term runs until 2027.
National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretariat Senior Communications Officer Rogers Mulindwa has publicly called on President Museveni to consider appointing a candidate from Buganda should Wangadya leave office.
Although Mulindwa stopped short of endorsing any individual, he argued that Buganda has competent leaders capable of steering the commission and strengthening the protection of human rights in Uganda.
However, TV10 Investigative Desk has learned from highly placed sources that Wangadya’s resignation letter has already triggered intense lobbying within influential circles. Several prominent legal and political figures are reportedly reaching out to senior members of the security establishment and key State House power brokers in a bid to secure recommendations to the appointing authority.
Among those said to be eyeing the position are renowned constitutional lawyer and former Bugweri County Member of Parliament Abdul Katuntu, former Makerere University law lecturer and ex-Mawokota South MP Yusuf Nsibambi, and current UHRC Commissioner as well as former Democratic Party (DP) official Shifrah Lukwago.
Sources familiar with the process told TV10 that Katuntu has emerged as the early favourite, citing his distinguished career in constitutional law, his longstanding human rights advocacy, and his previous legal practice before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Nsibambi is also said to be mounting an aggressive campaign for the position after previously missing out on a ministerial appointment.
A source close to the former legislator claimed that Nsibambi is eager to return to public office due to financial challenges linked to his health.
“Health-wise, Nsibambi has been unwell. That is one of the reasons he crossed from the opposition to the NRM, hoping to secure a government appointment. Without a public office, his situation could become more difficult,” the source alleged.
However, senior State House sources told TV10 Investigative Desk that appointing Wangadya’s successor is currently not among President Museveni’s immediate priorities. According to the sources, there is a strong possibility that Wangadya could remain in office until the end of her term in 2027, depending on whether the President accepts or declines her resignation.
Attorney General Dr. Sam Mayanja recently confirmed that Wangadya’s resignation letter was formally submitted to President Museveni. He explained that, under the law, the President, as the appointing authority, has the exclusive constitutional mandate to accept or reject the resignation.
With the President yet to make a decision, TV10 Investigative Desk understands that the quiet succession contest is expected to intensify in the coming months as influential contenders continue to position themselves for one of the country’s most coveted constitutional appointments.
