The Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Mariam Wangadya, has issued a formal notice of intention to sue investigative journalist Stanley Ndawula of The Investigator, demanding UGX 1 billion in damages over alleged defamation.
In a letter dated March 13, 2026, from Signature Advocates, Wangadya’s lawyers accused Ndawula of publishing “grave, unfounded, and unsubstantiated allegations” against her, citing a social media post on X dated March 7 and an article published on March 8.
According to the notice, the disputed claims include allegations of:
- 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
Through her lawyers, Wangadya categorically denied the allegations, 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 letter reads.
The legal team emphasised that the Commission’s management of public funds operates under strict oversight, including the Public Finance Management Act, the Ministry of Finance, and Parliament.
The notice outlines several demands to be met within 14 days, including:
- Immediate cessation of any further alleged defamatory publications
- Publication of a full retraction with equal prominence
- A formal written apology
- Payment of UGX 1 billion in damages and UGX 10 million in legal fees
Signature Advocates warned that failure to comply would 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 letter states.
Journalist Unfazed
Meanwhile, Investigative journalist Stanley Ndawula has publicly fired back at Uganda Human Rights Commission boss Ms.Mariam Wangadya, following a demand notice in which she reportedly seeks Shs1 billion in damages over alleged defamation.
In a strongly worded response via WhatsApp chat with our reporter just hours after the notice, Ndawula appeared unfazed, declaring he is fully prepared to face Wangadya in court and defend his reporting.
“Go on, please,” Ndawula said. “Stop releasing notices, just serve the court papers. I am 100% ready for the showdown.”
The dispute stems from a series of investigative reports published by Ndawula, which Wangadya claims contain defamatory statements that have damaged her reputation and that of the Human Rights Commission. Through her lawyers, Signature Advocates, Wangadya demanded a public apology, retraction, and compensation amounting to Shs1 billion.
However, Ndawula has dismissed the claims, insisting his work is factual, well-researched, and in the public interest. He framed the legal threat as an attempt to intimidate journalists and suppress accountability.
“This is not just about me,” he added. “It’s about press freedom and the right of journalists to investigate and publish without fear.”
The case highlights ongoing tensions between public officials and journalists in Uganda, particularly regarding accountability reporting and the boundaries of free expression.
