Gov’t Limits UHRC Boss’s Daily Fuel to 3 Liters

Summary:

• UHRC Chairperson Mariam Wangadya is facing work challenges due to a daily fuel allowance of Shs 20,000, covering only 3 liters and affecting her investigations of human rights violations. She requested additional funding from Parliament and defended UHRC’s actions against NUP’s claims of missing members, citing a doctored list causing resource wastage.

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Mariam Wangadya, the Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), expressed her concern over the meager daily fuel allowance of Shs 20,000, which significantly hampers her ability to carry out her duties. Wangadya, who previously served as Deputy Inspector General of Government, highlighted that her salary is two-thirds of the deputy head’s salary at the Inspectorate of Government, a constitutional body.

During her testimony at Parliament on Monday, Wangadya disclosed that her daily fuel allowance of Shs 20,000 amounts to Shs 600,000 per month. Given the current cost of petrol at Shs 5,500 per liter, this allowance covers only 3 liters of fuel per day, compelling Wangadya to dip into her personal funds to cover the additional expenses.

This financial constraint not only affects Wangadya personally but also undermines the Uganda Human Rights Commission’s capacity to investigate the increasing incidents of human rights violations throughout the country. The UHRC’s crucial role includes recommending effective measures to Parliament for promoting human rights, such as providing compensation to victims of human rights violations and their families. Additionally, the commission is tasked with fostering awareness of the constitution as the fundamental law among the people of Uganda.

In response to these challenges, Wangadya appealed to Parliament for an additional funding of Shs 3.756 billion to improve the financial situation of the UHRC staff, who are currently facing financial difficulties.

Amidst criticisms and pressure to investigate 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 a doctored list of missing persons, leading to unnecessary drama and resource wastage. Wangadya clarified that, based on their interactions, none of the individuals provided on the list were genuinely missing, with some residing in foreign countries and others being out on bail for serious crimes. She emphasized the need for accurate information to effectively address human rights concerns.