President Yoweri Museveni has rejected the resignation of Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Chairperson Mariam Fauzat Wangadya and directed her to continue executing her mandate. Wangadya made the revelation on Tuesday while appearing before Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE). She said after submitting her resignation letter, the President declined to accept it and instructed her to keep serving. Wangadya formally tendered her resignation in a letter dated 6 July 2026. The move came days after she publicly criticised presidential appointments to the Commission, accusing the President of turning the UHRC into a “dumping ground for failed politicians.” Fellow commissioners later accused her of abandoning the institution and failing to convene meetings for several months. Wangadya countered that she had been subjected to a coordinated smear campaign. In an earlier parliamentary appearance she broke down in tears and apologised for her language. Attorney General Sam Mayanja had previously clarified that a resignation only takes effect once accepted by the appointing authority. Until then, Wangadya remained the substantive Chairperson. The President’s decision ends more than a month of uncertainty over the leadership of the constitutional body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights. The episode highlights ongoing tensions over the autonomy and composition of constitutional institutions. Wangadya now continues in office with a clear presidential directive. How she manages internal divisions and restores the Commission’s effectiveness will shape public confidence in one of Uganda’s key human rights watchdogs.