Ms Mariam Wangadya, the chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), has revealed that several of the persons alleged missing by the opposition National Unity Platform simply do not exist.
Ms Wangadya made the remarks on Monday, January 08, while appearing before the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament.
The opposition has in the past raised concerns over alleged human rights abuses against their supporters, including abductions by persons linked to security.
However, Wangadya cast doubts on these claims by the opposition, saying the commission was sent on a wild goose chase in an attempt to recover the alleged missing persons.
“Our entire budget was diverted searching for, quite frankly, individuals who either don’t exist or are very much alive living overseas,” Wangadya stated.
“In other cases, we encountered people out on bail for serious offences like terrorism and vandalism, astonished to find themselves listed as missing,” she said.
“We were even surprised to find out that some opposition political leaders go-ahead to torturing their fellow members promising then a big sum of money to play their games as how Uganda violets human rights” She Added
UHRC funding request
Meanwhile, Wangadya also requested for additional funding worth UGX 3.75 billion from Parliament to improve staff salaries and boost the commission’s operational efficiency.
“The commission requires an enhanced salary structure for its employees,” Wangadya emphasized. For illustration, she highlighted her fuel allowance of UGX 600,000 per month – UGX 20,000 daily – which she says is insufficient.
Beyond improved salaries, the commission also seeks UGX 1 billion for five vehicles to support inspections of detention facilities and case investigations, plus an extra UGX 1.5 billion for three vans to be used in conducting human rights awareness campaigns across the country.
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