Mariam Wangadya, Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), voiced her apprehension regarding the insufficient daily fuel allowance of Shs 20,000, citing its impact on her operational capabilities. Formerly the Deputy Inspector General of Government, Wangadya emphasized that her current salary is only two-thirds of her counterpart’s salary at the Inspectorate of Government, a constitutional body.
In her testimony before Parliament on Monday, Wangadya disclosed that her daily fuel allowance of Shs 20,000 totals to Shs 600,000 monthly. With the current petrol cost at Shs 5,500 per liter, this allowance covers merely 3 liters of fuel daily, compelling Wangadya to use her personal funds for additional expenses.
This financial challenge not only affects Wangadya personally but also undermines the UHRC’s ability to investigate rising instances of human rights violations across Uganda. The commission plays a pivotal role in recommending effective measures to Parliament for safeguarding human rights, including compensating victims of rights violations. Moreover, it is tasked with raising awareness of the constitution as the fundamental law among the Ugandan people.
To address these challenges, Wangadya appealed to Parliament for an additional funding of Shs 3.756 billion to improve the financial situation of UHRC staff facing financial difficulties.
In response to criticisms and pressure regarding the alleged detention of National Unity Platform (NUP) members in undisclosed locations by security services, Wangadya defended the commission’s actions. She criticized the NUP for submitting an altered list of missing persons, leading to unnecessary drama and resource wastage. Wangadya clarified that, based on their interactions, none of the individuals on the list were genuinely missing, with some residing in foreign countries and others out on bail for serious crimes. Emphasizing the need for accurate information, she underscored the commission’s commitment to addressing human rights concerns effectively.
