Uganda Human Rights Commission
UHRC
Summary
Drafted with AI
Drafted with AI from the cited sources under the direction of UnGovr staff. UnGovr holds editorial responsibility for this page. How this site is made
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.