The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has completed a three-day budget conference at Imperial Golf View Hotel in Entebbe Municipality. The conference, which took place from November 4 to 7, brought together Commission members, senior managers, and staff from various departments. The meeting aimed to prepare the institution for implementing its programmes and activities for the 2027/2028 Financial Year.
UHRC Chairperson Hon. Mariam Wangadya emphasized the importance of making proper use of public funds and ensuring that activities produce positive results for the people of Uganda. She stressed that public institutions must demonstrate efficiency, accountability, and responsiveness while carrying out their responsibilities. Wangadya encouraged the Commission to go beyond receiving complaints and investigating cases to preventing violations, improving access to justice, and promoting accountability among duty bearers.
The conference featured a review of the First Quarter Performance Report and an assessment of the Commission's Monitoring and Evaluation activities. Participants examined progress made, identified challenges, and discussed areas that need more attention as the institution prepares its next annual budget. Different directorates and departments presented their proposed budgets and planned activities, covering human rights education, investigations, complaints management, and regional operations.
On the final day, the Directorate of Finance and Administration presented its budget proposals in a session chaired by Commission Member Hon. Simeo Nsubuga. Another session, led by Hon. Shifra Lukwago, brought together departmental proposals for review and consolidation before submission for management consideration. The conference ended with a renewed commitment to ensuring that the 2027/2028 budget reflects the institution's priorities and strengthens its efforts to protect and promote human rights.
Closing the conference on behalf of Chairperson Wangadya, Member of the Commission Hon. Rtd. Col. Steven Basaliza urged staff to avoid internal divisions and work together regardless of their positions or departments. He emphasized that unity is essential for effective service delivery and that disagreements and factions within the institution can weaken its ability to achieve its objectives and maintain public confidence.
Basaliza also encouraged staff to familiarize themselves with the Constitution of Uganda, 1995, and the Uganda Human Rights Commission Act, 1997, describing them as important legal foundations that should guide the Commission's decisions, investigations, recommendations, and budget allocations. Other Commission members present included Hon. Crispin Kaheru, Hon. Shifra Lukwago, Hon. Simeo Nsubuga, and Hon. Lo Apitta, alongside the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. B. Kamadi, directors, managers, and other staff.
The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to ensuring that the 2027/2028 budget reflects the institution's priorities and strengthens its efforts to protect and promote human rights across the country. The UHRC's efforts aim to enhance its ability to deliver its mandate, promote accountability, and improve access to justice for the people of Uganda.
Key points
- UHRC Chairperson Hon. Mariam Wangadya emphasized the importance of accountability and efficiency in public institutions.
- The conference featured a review of the First Quarter Performance Report and an assessment of the Commission's Monitoring and Evaluation activities.
- Hon. Rtd. Col. Steven Basaliza urged staff to work together and familiarize themselves with the Constitution and the Uganda Human Rights Commission Act.
