UHRC's Wangadya urges peaceful campaigns, responsible policing

KAMPALA - The chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Mariam Wangadya, has cautioned the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), opposition politicians and security agencies against engaging in violence during the election period.

“There is violence on both the NRM and the opposition. Let’s avoid violence and maintain peace during election campaigns,” Wangadya said.

“I also appeal to the Police when using teargas, it should not be excessive,” she added.

Wangadya made the remarks during a joint press conference with civil society organisations at the UHRC headquarters in Kampala on December 5, 2025, ahead of the International Human Rights Day commemoration scheduled for December 10.

This year’s commemoration is being held under the national theme: “Strengthening Democratic Space, Upholding Freedom of Expression, Speech, Association, Media and Security of Person during elections for all.”

International Human Rights Day marks the date on which the UN General Assembly proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948, and is used globally to highlight current human rights concerns.

Wangadya reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to monitoring cases of election-related violence and taking appropriate action.

“We are doing everything possible to ensure violence ends because we have constituted an election monitoring team,” she said, adding that elections should not be viewed as a “do or die” contest but as a process that embraces divergent opinions.

Wangadya urged voters, candidates and security personnel to remain tolerant and respectful throughout the electoral process.

She acknowledged that her public role has sometimes placed her in difficult situations.

“I have been intimidated by both the public and the government top officials. Tongue lashing by some people and others perceive my work as negative and draw cartoons of me dressed in yellow,” Wangadya said.

She added that activists once stormed her office over missing victims and demanded her resignation, but she was rescued by security officers.

She appealed to both the NRM and opposition to desist from acts of violence as the country heads towards the 2026 general elections.

(L-R) Joseph Katregga, the legal officer Justice Access Point, executive director of African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (ACTV) Samuel Nsububa, chairperson of Uganda Human Rights Commission Mariam Wangadya, Jimmy Wamimbi projects coordinator Avocats San Frontiers, Keneth Kitambula, advocacy officer Human Rights Centre Uganda and Pauline Nansaba, the director investigation at the Commission, display copies of press statement after a media briefing at the agency's headquarters in Kampala. (Credit: Francis Emorut)

Wangadya was joined at the press conference by Herbert Nsubuga, chief executive officer of the African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims; Joseph Katerega, legal officer at Justice Access Point; Jimmy Wamimbi, project coordinator with Avocats Sans Frontières; Keneth Kitambula, advocacy officer at the Human Rights Centre Uganda; and Pauline Nansaba, director of investigations at UHRC.

They all emphasised the responsibility of political actors, security agencies, voters and campaign teams to uphold human rights and maintain peace.

Nsubuga urged the media to report cases of torture and to engage relevant agencies for effective redress, while Wamimbi called for political tolerance, stressing the importance of dialogue.

On his part, Katerega highlighted the need to ensure access to justice for all, while Kitambula noted that civil society organisations advocate for marginalised voices and called for reforms in human rights protection.

The human rights defenders issued several recommendations, including increased government support for voter and civic education, impartial election reporting by the media, public adherence to lawful means of advocacy, and political parties establishing mechanisms that promote dialogue and tolerance.

They also called for improved documentation of survivors of torture and violence.

The joint statement reiterated: “Election is not an event but a process. The UHRC calls upon all Ugandans to join this commemoration, not passively but actively as champions of peace, tolerance, and accountability. Together we can promote, protect and respect the rights of everyone.”

Wangadya also distanced the Commission from a recent UN report alleging escalating repression against the opposition and the media ahead of the 2026 elections.

“It’s not our (UHRC) report. I don’t know what sources they have in Geneva; they know their sources. Our reports are evidence-based. We have presence all over the country,” she said. “We can speak better about our reports, which I can defend.”

Her comments came after the Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba, confirmed that members of the National Unity Platform (NUP) had been arrested following clashes in Mbarara city, where supporters allegedly pelted Police and vandalised vehicles.

Police confrontations with NUP supporters have intensified as their presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, continues his campaign trail.

One person was shot dead during an incident in Iganga.