The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has paid glowing tribute to outgoing Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, crediting him with strengthening legal professionalism in government and providing critical support to the commission during key institutional reforms.
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) is the national human rights institution of Uganda, established under Article 51 of the 1995 Constitution and operationalized by the UHRC Act of 1997. Its core mandate is to promote and protect fundamental human rights and freedoms across the country.
In an open letter dated June 11, 2026, and signed by UHRC Chairperson Mariam Wangadya, the commission congratulated Kiwanuka on his appointment as Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, describing him as a dependable constitutional partner whose legal counsel helped steer the commission through complex governance and operational challenges.
“Throughout your tenure, you consistently treated the Uganda Human Rights Commission as a valued constitutional partner,” Ms Wangadya wrote.
The commission noted that whenever it sought legal guidance, Kiwanuka’s office was responsive, thoughtful and reliable, particularly on matters concerning the Constitution, the operations of the UHRC Tribunal, contractual issues involving staff beyond retirement age, and the defence of the commission in court proceedings.
According to the letter, the Attorney General’s office played a pivotal role in helping the commission navigate several sensitive institutional matters, offering legal clarity and confidence during periods of transition.
The UHRC singled out Kiwanuka’s commitment to institutional excellence, describing him as a leader known for his attention to detail and insistence on high professional standards.
“Under your stewardship, State Attorneys became more proactive, more diligent, and more prepared,” the commission observed, adding that government cases are today defended with greater consistency and professionalism due to a culture of excellence cultivated during his tenure.
The commission further credited Kiwanuka with supporting reforms that strengthened the functioning of the UHRC Tribunal.
“At UHRC, we also benefited from your wise counsel as we navigated important institutional reforms. The Tribunal now operates fully as a Commission under the leadership of the Chairperson, and the results have been remarkable,” the letter stated.
The remarks appear to reference legal and administrative changes that have shaped the commission’s operations in recent years, with UHRC leadership attributing part of that progress to guidance received from the Attorney General’s chambers.
Drawing parallels between Kiwanuka’s former and current portfolios, the commission argued that both the Justice and Defence ministries play a crucial role in safeguarding the Republic, albeit through different means.
“The move from Justice to Defence may appear significant, but perhaps it is not. In truth, both ministries are guardians of the Republic. One defends the nation through the force of law; the other defends it through the force of arms,” the commission wrote.
The commission expressed confidence that Kiwanuka’s legal expertise and understanding of constitutional governance would serve the country well in his new role overseeing national defence and veteran affairs.
UHRC also commended the outgoing Attorney General for what it described as his respect for both people and institutions, saying that at a time when many merely speak about the rule of law, he consistently worked to ensure it was implemented in practice.
“As you leave the Attorney General’s Chambers for the Ministry of Defence, we wish you continued wisdom, strength and success,” the commission stated.
In a light-hearted conclusion, the commission remarked that the Ministry of Defence was about to discover what the Ministry of Justice already knew — that perfectionism can be an effective management tool.
The letter concluded with prayers and best wishes for Kiwanuka as he begins his new assignment in government.
President Museveni recently appointed Kiwanuka as Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs in a Cabinet reshuffle, bringing to an end his tenure as Attorney General, a position in which he served as the government’s chief legal adviser and represented the State in major legal and constitutional matters.
The UHRC’s public tribute underscores the significance of Kiwanuka’s relationship with constitutional bodies and highlights the role his office played in shaping legal and institutional governance across government during his tenure.
