The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Secretary Margaret Ejang, says the commission is grappling with severe financial constraints.
Ejang decried the low funding while appearing before the Committee of Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE). She explained that the budget cuts have severely impacted the Commission’s operations, including its ability to provide basic staff welfare.
Ejang revealed that due to insufficient budget allocations, the UHRC can only offer hot water to staff using a single percolator, as there is no provision for tea or other refreshments.
“We use our percolator, but we basically give staff hot water. We don’t have a supplier for tea. Although we have a budget line for welfare, it often faces cuts because it isn’t seen as a priority,” Ejang lamented.
This revelation was made during a COSASE session where MPs scrutinized the Commission’s dismal revenue collection performance. The UHRC had planned to collect Shs160 million in Non-Tax Revenue (NTR) for the 2022/23 fiscal year but only managed to gather Shs14.4 million. This significant shortfall raised concerns among the MPs.
MP Sseggona questioned the UHRC’s revenue collection methods, expressing disbelief at the low NTR figures.
“The entity budgeted to collect Shs160 million but was only able to collect Shs14.4 million. Would you explain why this dismal performance? Do you procure tea or do you use your percolator? You just give them hot water, is that what is in your budget? All those are supplied by some service provider, and you collect from them. I am wondering how you would end up collecting NTR of Shs750,000,” Sseggona noted.
Ejang explained that the financial challenges are not limited to staff welfare but also affect other crucial operations like complaints management. The budget allocated for handling complaints includes a small component for refreshments, typically limited to water for complainants.
The MPs on COSASE demanded a thorough explanation and reassessment of the UHRC’s budget and revenue collection strategies. They emphasized the need for better financial support to enable the Commission to perform its essential functions effectively.
Ejang’s testimony revealed the pressing need for the government to reevaluate its budget priorities and ensure adequate funding for the UHRC to carry out its mandate without financial hindrances.
COSASE had summoned Mariam Wangadya, Chairperson Uganda Human Rights Commission to explain reasons behind the delays to process the 1,521 human rights complaints that remained unheard by December 2023.
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