By Spy Uganda
The Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, Mariam Wangadya, has issued a formal notice of intention to sue an investigative journalist, demanding UGX 1 billion in damages over alleged defamation.
In a letter dated March 13, 2026, from Signature Advocates, addressed to journalist Stanley Ndawula of The Investigator, Wangadya accuses him of publishing “grave, unfounded, and unsubstantiated allegations” against her.
The letter states that the disputed claims stem from a social media post on X dated March 7, 2026, and an article published on March 8, 2026.
“Our attention has been drawn to a recent post on your X handle… and an Article you authored and published online… wherein you make grave, unfounded, and unsubstantiated allegations against Our Client.”
According to the document, the allegations cited include:
- Gross maladministration, corruption, and abuse of office
- Unilateral determination of salaries and usurpation of parliamentary powers
- Misappropriation of UGX 10.4 billion for personal use and “private” expenditures
- Creating a climate of fear and bullying within the Commission
Wangadya, through her lawyers, has categorically denied all accusations, describing them as false and damaging to her reputation.
“Our Client categorically denies these allegations. The statements you have published are not only factually incorrect, but also calculated to lower Our Client’s estimation in the eyes of right-thinking members of society.”
The legal team further argued that the claims misrepresent how public funds are managed, emphasizing that the Commission operates under strict legal oversight.
“The budgeting processes of the Commission are subject to the Public Finance Management Act and oversight by the Ministry of Finance and Parliament.”
The notice outlines several demands to be met within 14 days:
- Immediate cessation of any further alleged defamatory publications
- A full retraction published with equal prominence
- A formal written apology
- Payment of UGX 1,000,000,000 in damages and UGX 10,000,000 in legal fees
Failure to comply, the lawyers warn, will result in civil proceedings.
“Take notice that if the above demands are not met within fourteen (14) days… we have instructions to institute civil proceedings against you for Defamation.”
The case adds to growing tensions between public officials and investigative journalists in Uganda, particularly around accountability reporting and the limits of free expression.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Ndawula were not immediately successful by press time. 
