The Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Hon. Mariam Wangadya, has personally taken the Commission’s human rights awareness campaign to the public at the ongoing Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) exhibition in Lugogo, Kampala, engaging visitors on their fundamental rights, the protection of freedoms and the importance of reporting human rights violations.
Wangadya spent Friday morning at the UHRC exhibition stall, where she interacted with members of the public, responded to their questions and listened to their concerns about human rights in Uganda. She also distributed Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials, together with annual and special reports, to help visitors understand the Commission’s mandate and the services it provides.The Commission established its stall at the exhibition on Friday, October 2, 2026, and has since been using the platform to educate the public about human rights and showcase its services. Through this initiative, the UHRC is reaching people from different backgrounds, providing them with information about their rights and explaining the channels available for seeking assistance when those rights are violated.Wangadya’s direct participation gave visitors an opportunity to engage with the head of the Commission, ask questions about issues affecting them and share their views on the institution’s performance.
The interaction also enabled the Commission to receive feedback from citizens and identify areas where greater public awareness is needed.Speaking about the engagement, Wangadya said she was encouraged by the enthusiasm shown by visitors, explaining that the interaction allowed the Commission to respond to public concerns while learning how citizens perceive its work.”I have seen for myself the enthusiasm of the general public. They have questions; I have given them answers and, at the same time, we have received feedback from them on how they view our performance,” she said.One of the concerns raised during the engagement was the need to expand human rights education in schools, learning institutions and communities. Some visitors wanted to know how they could initiate human rights awareness programmes in their respective institutions and villages, reflecting an interest in extending the promotion of fundamental rights beyond formal government activities.The discussions also touched on the rights of the boy child, with members of the public calling attention to issues affecting boys. The engagement provided an opportunity to emphasise that every child deserves protection and that human rights concerns affecting different groups must receive attention without discrimination.Another issue that attracted attention was the right to a fair hearing and the presumption of innocence.
Some visitors raised concerns about ongoing anti-corruption operations involving the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balam Barugahara, and the need to ensure that suspects’ rights are respected throughout investigative and other legal processes.In response, Wangadya said the minister had good intentions but stressed the importance of respecting the rights and freedoms of suspects. Her remarks highlighted the need for anti-corruption efforts to be conducted within the law while safeguarding the fundamental rights of everyone, including people accused of wrongdoing.The Chairperson also encouraged Ugandans to report human rights violations to the Commission instead of remaining silent when they witness or experience abuses. To help members of the public access the institution, she distributed stickers and keyholders bearing the UHRC’s toll-free telephone numbers.The materials are intended to make the Commission’s contact details easier to remember and help citizens reach the institution when they need information, assistance or guidance on human rights concerns. The initiative also reinforces the importance of making reporting channels accessible to ordinary people in their communities.Several visitors used the opportunity to commend Wangadya for her efforts in promoting and protecting human rights. Their feedback offered the Commission an opportunity to hear directly from the public and understand the expectations and concerns of the people it serves.During the exhibition, Wangadya also delivered the Commission’s Independence Day message, calling on Ugandans to support the UHRC in fulfilling its responsibilities.
Her appeal underscored the importance of cooperation between citizens and public institutions in promoting a society where human rights are respected and protected.The annual UMA exhibition brings together businesses, government institutions and members of the public, giving participating organisations an opportunity to showcase their services and engage with citizens. This year’s event is expected to conclude on Sunday, October 11, 2026.For the UHRC, the exhibition provides more than an opportunity to display its work. It offers a platform to explain human rights in practical terms, address public questions, receive feedback and encourage citizens to take an active role in protecting their own rights and those of others.As the exhibition approaches its conclusion, the Commission’s activities at Lugogo continue to highlight the importance of taking human rights education closer to the people. Through direct engagement, public awareness materials and the promotion of accessible reporting channels, the UHRC is encouraging Ugandans to understand their rights and seek appropriate assistance whenever violations occur.
