Mariam Wangadya, the Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), has found herself at the center of an ongoing smear campaign that has been spreading through various media outlets.
These online attacks aim to tarnish her reputation and influence her chances of being appointed Uganda’s next Deputy Chief Justice (DCJ). While smear campaigns against public figures are common, the timing of this particular attack seems to be linked to a much larger political battle: the fierce competition for the Deputy Chief Justice position, which became vacant after Dr. Flavian Zeija was promoted to Chief Justice.
The search for a new Deputy Chief Justice has sparked considerable political maneuvering. Many influential figures, including senior judges and legal professionals, are lobbying for the role, and Wangadya, along with other prominent names like Justice Musa Ssekaana, is seen as a potential candidate.
However, Wangadya’s rise in the race has made her the target of political opponents, and smear campaigns have been launched in an attempt to discredit her.
Key to the political struggle is the lobbying from various factions within Uganda. Muslim leaders, particularly from the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council and Kibuli-based Supreme Mufti leadership, are pushing for the appointment of a Muslim lawyer to the position of Deputy Chief Justice.
However, President Yoweri Museveni is reportedly focusing on finding a candidate with a clean and corruption-free track record. Many potential candidates have been linked to corruption, which has made the selection process more difficult.
Wangadya, a former Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG) and the current head of the UHRC, is a strong contender for the position due to her record of anti-corruption work and her leadership in streamlining the commission’s operations.
But her effectiveness and reputation as a no-nonsense leader have also led to her being targeted. Recently, a whistleblower’s report alleging corruption on Wangadya’s part was circulated among media houses. The report was filed with the IGG’s office, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, and the Police Criminal Investigation Department.
Despite no formal investigation being concluded, the report has fueled the smear campaign against her.
Why Wangadya is Being targeted
Mariam Wangadya’s qualifications and accomplishments have positioned her as one of the most capable candidates for the Deputy Chief Justice role.
At the helm of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, she has been instrumental in increasing the speed and efficiency of the Commission’s work, delivering up to 20 decisions in just two days.
In comparison, judges in the Court of Appeal are expected to deliver 20 decisions over a four-month period. Her strong work ethic and ability to get things done have made her a respected figure within the legal community.
Additionally, President Museveni’s apparent preference for a female Deputy Chief Justice could give Wangadya an advantage. Female justices such as Justice Alice Mpagi Bahegeine and Justice Constance Batamugisha are remembered for their impactful leadership, which strengthened Uganda’s appellate courts and earned international recognition.
Many argue that appointing a female leader could help bridge the divide between the Bar and the Bench, a gap that has grown under the leadership of male Deputy Chief Justices.
Despite her impressive qualifications, Wangadya has made powerful enemies, especially for her role in exposing corruption within Parliament.
During the budget-making process, she helped uncover corruption syndicates, leading to the arrest of several MPs, including Lwengo District Woman MP Cissy Namujju and Paul Akampa. Although the charges against them were dropped, Wangadya’s involvement reflected negatively on the government’s anti-corruption efforts, and this likely contributed to the backlash against her.
The Smear Campaign’s Political Motivation
The smear campaigns against Wangadya are not simply random attacks but are part of the broader political struggle over the Deputy Chief Justice position. As Wangadya has emerged as a strong candidate, political factions have sought to weaken her standing by targeting her reputation.
The circulation of the whistleblower’s report, even before any formal investigations, highlights the calculated nature of these smear tactics.
Justice Musa Ssekaana, another leading contender for the DCJ role, has also faced similar attacks. Although he was initially seen as a potential candidate for Chief Justice, his rise has been challenged by various factions.
Some members of the Kibuli Muslim leadership have expressed dissatisfaction with Ssekaana, particularly after he refused to recuse himself from a case involving Juma Zukuli, accusing him of bias.
His decision to imprison Sheikh Khalifa Lutaaya and Sheikh Hassan Kinene for contempt of court also drew significant criticism. In addition, Ssekaana has been accused of being intolerant toward social media critics and of personalizing disputes with lawyers during court proceedings.
The appointment process for Deputy Chief Justice
The Deputy Chief Justice is one of the most influential positions in Uganda’s judiciary. Traditionally, the position has been filled by justices from the Court of Appeal, including prominent figures like Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, Justice Barishaki Cheborion, and Justice Egonda-Ntende.
To qualify for the role, candidates must hold a law degree, have served as judges in the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, or High Court, or have practiced law for at least 15 years.
Sources close to President Museveni suggest that he is keen to make the appointment soon to avoid a leadership vacuum in Uganda’s judiciary. The president has also directed that local village leadership elections be concluded by May 2026, signaling his push for swift decision-making.
As the race for Deputy Chief Justice heats up, the smear campaigns against both Wangadya and Ssekaana are likely to intensify. These campaigns are a reflection of the deep political and judicial struggles that are shaping Uganda’s future.
The outcome of this race will have lasting implications for the direction of the country’s judiciary, and both Wangadya and Ssekaana are poised to play pivotal roles in shaping Uganda’s legal landscape.
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