Uganda Human Rights Commission
UHRC
Summary
The UHRC is established under Constitution Articles 51-52 and the UHRC Act 1997 (Ch. 24). The Chairperson and six members are appointed by the President with parliamentary approval for six-year renewable terms. The Commission has court-like powers to summon witnesses, compel testimony, and access records. It inspects police stations, prisons, and detention facilities, and its quasi-judicial tribunal issues binding compensation awards and release orders. All members are civilians. It reports annually to Parliament without prepublication review.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Executive appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 6 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | Yes |
| Compel testimony | Yes |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Uganda Human Rights Commission Act
- Citation
- Chapter 24; implementing Constitution of Uganda 1995 Articles 51-52
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
National oversight of human rights, with explicit mandate to visit and inspect all police stations, prisons, and places of detention; operates a quasi-judicial tribunal with power to award compensation and order releases.