By Guest Writer
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has closed its Annual Performance Review for Financial Year 2025/2026 with a declaration that the Commission hit its overall targets, despite resource constraints and a shifting human rights landscape.
The review meeting held on Monday was chaired by Hon. Shifrah Lukwago on behalf of the Chairperson Hon. Mariam Wangadya. She was supported by fellow Commissioners Hon. Omara Apitta Lamex, Mr. Crispin Kaheru, Hon. Simeo Nsubuga and Hon. Jacklet Rwabukurukuru.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Commission, Directors, Heads of Divisions, Managers and Regional Human Rights Officers from across the country.
According to the performance report presented, the Commission remained active and visible in the discharge of its constitutional mandate – including complaints handling and investigations, monitoring of places of detention, human rights education and civic awareness, research and documentation, and advising Government on human rights implications of laws and policies.
In her closing remarks, Hon. Lukwago said the gathering was not merely a routine institutional exercise, but a moment of collective reflection, accountability and renewed purpose.
“This gathering has not been merely a routine institutional exercise. It has been a moment of collective reflection, accountability, and renewed purpose. We have examined our performance against the strategic objectives we set for ourselves, celebrated the milestones we achieved, and, with equal honesty, confronted the gaps that remain,” Hon. Lukwago said.
She commended staff at headquarters and regional offices for working under challenging conditions, noting improvements in case management, financial accountability, internal coordination and the adoption of digital tools.
“These results were not achieved by chance; they are the product of the dedication of staff at headquarters and in the regional offices, often working under challenging conditions,” she said.
Hon. Lukwago however cautioned that resource constraints, delays in resolution of some complaints, gaps in follow-up on recommendations and the need for more robust data systems remain urgent challenges.
She called upon every member of the Commission to strengthen teamwork, maintain the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and independence, accelerate implementation of outstanding recommendations, and deepen focus on impact.
“The ultimate measure of our success is the tangible improvement in the enjoyment of human rights by the people of Uganda — especially the most vulnerable,” she said.
“The UHRC’s value to the nation lies in its ability to speak truth to power, to defend the rights of all without fear or favour, and to remain a credible voice for human dignity. That independence is both a privilege and a responsibility that we must jealously guard,” Hon. Lukwago added.
She formally declared the Annual Performance Review Meeting closed, thanking Commissioners for strategic guidance and the Secretariat led by the Secretary for logistical and technical support.
The Commission is expected to use the lessons from the review to guide more focused planning for FY 2026/2027. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
