Parliament Vets Nominees to UHRC

Parliament’s Appointments Committee has vetted nominees to the Uganda Human Rights Commission.

On September 30, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, appointed former Police Spokesperson and Kasanda South Legislator, Simeo Nsubuga, as a commissioner of Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC).

President Museveni also appointed former commissioner for Physical Education and Sports in the Education Ministry, Omara Apita, and Col Steven Basaliza to the commission.

The names of the appointees were later forwarded to Parliament for vetting.

On Monday 10, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, revealed that he had chaired parliament’s appointments committee to vet the nominees.

He noted that the Committee will submit their decision to the appointing authority for further action.

The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) was established under the 1995 Constitution to among others investigate, at its own initiative or upon a complaint made by any person or group of persons against the violation of any human rights, visit prisons, and places of detention or related facilities, with a view of assessing and inspecting conditions of the inmates and make recommendations, and establish a programme of research, education and information to enhance respect of human rights.

The Commission is composed of a Chairperson, and not less than three other persons, appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament.

Members of the Commission have to be persons of high moral character and proven integrity. They serve for a period of six years and are eligible for re-appointment.