Kampala Woman MP Shamim Malende has criticised Attorney General Sam Mayanja for defending the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), saying the institution has failed to provide effective protection for citizens facing alleged rights abuses.The National Unity Platform (NUP) legislator told journalists at Parliament that the explanations given by Mayanja about UHRC’s performance had not addressed the concerns raised by opposition leaders and other Ugandans over continued human rights complaints.
Malende argued that instead of preventing violations, the country continues to witness cases where citizens’ rights are allegedly abused, especially involving opposition supporters and individuals arrested by security agencies.She highlighted the case of NUP leader Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, claiming that his relatives, lawyers and doctors have struggled to access him. She questioned why the human rights commission had not taken more decisive action to establish his condition and ensure his rights are protected.
The legislator accused security agencies of violating citizens’ freedoms through arrests, delayed court processes and restrictions on access to legal representation and medical services. She said such concerns require stronger intervention from institutions mandated to defend human rights.Malende also questioned the value of the resources allocated to UHRC, claiming the commission has not done enough to resolve complaints, compensate victims of abuses, clear pending cases or improve public awareness about human rights.Her remarks came during a parliamentary debate where Speaker Jacob Oboth Oboth asked Attorney General Mayanja to engage with opposition representatives to help Kivumbi’s family gain access to him.
Malende also reaffirmed her commitment to offering free legal support to vulnerable Ugandans.The MP further challenged statements regarding UHRC Chairperson Mariam Wangadya’s reported resignation, accusing Mayanja of providing conflicting information. However, the Attorney General denied claims that Wangadya or other commissioners were under investigation, saying Parliament had not received any such report.
