The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) on Monday dismissed a complaint filed by National Unity Platform (NUP) principal Robert Kyagulanyi, citing accusations of incompetence and bias.
The incident occurred during a Central Region Human Rights Tribunal hearing held on Monday at the Commission offices on Lumumba Avenue, chaired by UHRC Chairperson Mariam Wangadya.
The UHRC tribunal was composed of Hon. Rwabukurukuru Lo Apitta and Hon. Col. Steven Basaliza,among others, to hear cases of human rights violations.
Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, filed the petition in December 2018, alleging human rights abuses by state security agents. His complaints included the blocking of over 20 of his concerts, confiscation of his music equipment, arrests, and torture of his colleagues, all based on their political affiliation. He argued that these actions violated their right to earn a living.
During the session, Kyagulanyi criticized the Commission for delaying justice. “I filed this case five years ago, and it’s only being heard for the first time today. Justice delayed is justice denied,” he stated.
He noted further: “Article 28 of what is left of the constitution of Uganda provides for one’s entitlement to a fair, speedy and public hearing before an independent court or tribunal. This commission which is empowered to protect the constitutional rights is instead the one violating those rights.”
However, Chairperson Wangadya interrupted Kyagulanyi’s statement, accusing him of attacking the Commission.
“If this is a personal statement, you are free to withdraw it because I will not allow you to denigrate or disrespect this Commission. You will not go any further; if you are represented, you have to speak through your lawyers. You have accused this commission of human rights violations and am directing you to leave” she stated.
In response to Wangadya’s interruption, Kyagulanyi announced his decision to withdraw the complaint, citing a lack of faith in the fairness and credibility of the UHRC. As he and his team left the chambers, Wangadya declared the case dismissed. Kyagulanyi retorted, “Withdrawn, not dismissed.”
Speaking on the sidelines of the recent tribunal meeting, Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Chairperson Wangadya expressed disappointment over the proceedings involving Robert Kyagulanyi’s petition. The case took an unexpected turn after Kyagulanyi’s lawyers informed the tribunal that he had a personal statement to deliver.
“At the commencement of the case, Kyagulanyi’s lawyers told us he had a personal statement to deliver, which was unusual given their presence,” Wangadya said. “When we inquired if the personal statement was relevant to the case, the response was non-committal. Nonetheless, we allowed him to speak.”
Wangadya noted that Kyagulanyi’s statement appeared to show contempt for the court and humiliate its members. “We can’t accept that because any court deserves respect,” she stated.
Her comments were followed by an official written communication shared on her official X (formerly Twitter) platform.
Kyagulanyi also posted a message on his X platform stating, “This morning, we appeared before the INCOMPETENT and BIASED Uganda Human Rights Commission regarding a case we filed in 2018. Today was the first time I was being invited for a hearing. I have therefore withdrawn it for the reasons stated in this statement!”
Despite the dismissal of Kyagulanyi’s petition, other cases, such as that of Dr. Kizza Besigye filed in 2015, remain before the tribunal.
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