COSASE MPs Reject UHRC’s Budget Excuses for Case Backlog, Question Transport Refunds for Besigye and Kyagulanyi

Summary:

• Some MPs questioned whether former presidential candidates Kizza Besigye and Robert Kyagulanyi had received transport refunds for their complaints.

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KAMPALA: Members of Parliament on the Committee of Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE) rejected the Uganda Human Rights Commission’s (UHRC) explanation that a lack of funds to pay transport refunds for complainants and witnesses was a reason for the case backlog.

Some MPs questioned whether former presidential candidates Kizza Besigye and Robert Kyagulanyi had received transport refunds for their complaints.

Ida Nakiganda, Director of Complaints, Investigations, and Legal Services at UHRC, attributed the failure to hear 1,587 cases in 2022/23 to insufficient funds for compensating complainants and summoned witnesses.

She explained, “Complaints within Kampala also require witnesses, which involves costs. Each person summoned to the Uganda Human Rights Commission Tribunal receives a witness refund.”

Medard Sseggona (Busiro East) challenged this explanation, asking for evidence of refunds given to Kyagulanyi and Besigye, arguing that these individuals were more interested in justice than refunds.

“If I asked you for evidence you gave [transport refund] to Robert Kyagulanyi or Dr. Kizza Besigye, would you give me that voucher? Yes or no? That is the point I am making. Some complainants aren’t interested in the money, they just want justice. I have represented people before the Commission who never asked for a coin,” Sseggona said.

Initially, the UHRC admitted not giving refunds to Kyagulanyi and Besigye but later stated, “Besigye signed for his transport refund along with his witnesses. Kyagulanyi opted not to take his refund, but if not taken, it is banked in the Bank of Uganda on the Justice, Law and Order Society (JLOS) account. We have proof that Besigye signed for his refund.”

Allan Mayanja (Nakaseke Central) asked Mariam Wangadya, Chairperson of UHRC, to address allegations that some Commissioners work while armed, a claim Wangadya made in April 2023.

“In the media, you said some members of the Commission come to meetings with guns. Have you disarmed them? Could this contribute to the backlog and absenteeism among Commissioners?” asked Mayanja.

Wangadya responded, “I am not in a position to know who is armed and who isn’t. I have mentioned it before but lack the capacity to identify who is armed. I request fair treatment.”

Meanwhile, COSASE MPs protested shielding UHRC from commenting on accusations against three MPs who allegedly solicited a 20% cut from the Commission’s budget.

Eddie Kwizera (Bukimbiri County) questioned why UHRC spent 99% of its 2022/23 budget but failed to address 1,587 cases, suggesting poor budgeting or lobbying practices.

“If you have budgeted and utilized 99% of the funds yet have over 1,500 pending cases, it indicates poor internal budgeting. There is evidence of lobbying, yet some MPs are now imprisoned. Was this a common practice in previous years?” Kwizera asked.

Medard Lubega Sseggona (Busiro East), COSASE Chairperson, cited Rule 76 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament, which bars discussing matters active in court.

“We cannot discuss substantive matters of evidence in a court of law. This Committee must remain unbiased regarding issues under our jurisdiction. The recordings mentioned by MP Kwizera are not before this Committee,” Sseggona stated.

However, Nathan Itungo (Kasahari South) opposed Sseggona’s guidance, insisting, “When MPs’ questions go unanswered while witnesses are present, MPs may be tempted to address these issues outside the Committee. If the witness is here and knowledgeable, let her respond directly.”