Broke UHRC says it has a backlog of 1400 cases

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT |  The Uganda Human Rights Commission-UHRC faces a backlog of 1400 cases due to limited funding.

Mariam Wangadya, the Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, disclosed the commission’s predicament on Wednesday, citing resource constraints that have stalled the resolution of over 1400 cases. These cases include tribunal-level matters and ongoing investigations.

During a press briefing at the commission headquarters to mark the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Wangadya emphasized that the delay in addressing these cases is primarily due to insufficient funding. The commission’s operations are reliant on funds from the Justice Law and Order Sector Secretariat, and they can only progress with cases upon receipt of allocated finances.

She assured the public that the commission, staffed with capable and committed commissioners is diligently managing the backlog to resolve these cases expediently. Wangadya underscored the commission’s commitment to upholding and promoting human rights, with the UDHR serving as their guiding principle.

Notably, since May of the previous year, they have successfully heard and resolved over 200 cases brought before the commission. Samuel Herbert Nsubuga, CEO of the African Center for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (ACTV), emphasized the necessity for the government to enact legal aid and witness protection bills.

These measures aim to safeguard torture victims providing evidence against perpetrators. Nsubuga urged the Ministry of Health to implement a national rehabilitation policy ensuring widespread access to treatment for torture survivors, extending beyond civil society organizations.

Mohamed Ndifuna, Executive Director of Justice Access Point, urged the government to comply with international conventions protecting individuals against enforced disappearances. He also advocated for expediting the amendment of the constitution’s third schedule to include marginalized ethnic groups, thus preventing statelessness.

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