The Battle for Deputy Chief Justice! The Smear Campaign Targeting Mariam Wangadya

Mariam Wangadya, the Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), has recently become the focus of a fierce smear campaign. This online attack, fueled by various media outlets, is attempting to discredit her reputation. While smear campaigns against public figures are not new, the timing of these attacks is particularly significant. Many believe they are tied to the ongoing competition for the position of Deputy Chief Justice (DCJ) of Uganda—a position that became vacant when Dr. Flavian Zeija was promoted to Chief Justice. As the search for a new DCJ intensifies, Wangadya, alongside other key figures like Justice Musa Ssekaana, is seen as one of the leading candidates.

The process to fill the DCJ role has led to increased political maneuvering, with multiple factions vying for influence. The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) launched the search for a suitable candidate, and influential political figures, senior judges, and lawyers have all lobbied for the position. While Wangadya and Justice Ssekaana have not explicitly declared their interest, sources suggest they are strong contenders. This has led to a series of attacks against both of them, with Wangadya being specifically targeted in what appears to be an effort to undermine her chances.

A significant element of the political struggle for the DCJ position involves lobbying from different factions. Muslim leaders, particularly those from the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council and Kibuli-based Supreme Mufti leadership, are advocating for the appointment of a Muslim lawyer to the position. However, President Yoweri Museveni is said to prioritize the appointment of a candidate with a clean record, free from corruption allegations. This has complicated the selection process, as many potential candidates, including those within the judiciary, have been linked to corruption.

Wangadya, a former Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG) and the current head of the UHRC, is known for her strong anti-corruption stance and her leadership in improving the efficiency of the commission. This has made her a prominent candidate for the Deputy Chief Justice role. However, her rise has made her the target of several smear campaigns aimed at discrediting her. Recently, a whistleblower’s report alleging corruption was circulated, further intensifying the online attacks. The report was submitted to the IGG’s office, State House Anti-Corruption Unit, and the Police Criminal Investigation Department, but no formal investigation has been completed yet. Despite this, the smear campaign has gained traction in the media.

Why Is Mariam Wangadya Being Targeted?

Mariam Wangadya’s record of achievements makes her a strong contender for the Deputy Chief Justice role. As Chairperson of the UHRC, she has led efforts to streamline decision-making processes within the commission, delivering an average of 20 decisions in just two days. In contrast, judges in the Court of Appeal are required to deliver 20 decisions over a four-month period. Wangadya’s efficiency has earned her respect within Uganda’s legal community, positioning her as a capable leader in the judiciary.

Furthermore, President Museveni’s apparent preference for appointing a female Deputy Chief Justice has given Wangadya an edge. Previous female DCJs, such as Justice Alice Mpagi Bahegeine and Justice Constance Btamugisha, left a significant mark on Uganda’s appellate courts, and their tenures were recognized internationally. Critics of male DCJs argue that their leadership has deepened the divide between the Bar and the Bench, leading some to believe that a female DCJ could restore balance and improve relations within the judiciary.

However, Wangadya’s involvement in exposing corruption within Parliament has made her a target of political opponents. Her efforts to reveal corruption during the budget-making process led to the arrest of several members of Parliament, including Lwengo District Woman MP Cissy Namujju and Paul Akampa. Although the charges were eventually dropped, Wangadya’s role in the case negatively impacted the government’s image regarding its anti-corruption efforts. This likely fueled the resentment and smear campaigns against her.

The Smear Campaign and Its Political Roots

The smear campaigns against Wangadya are closely tied to the political competition for the Deputy Chief Justice role. As Wangadya’s candidacy gains strength, political factions have sought to discredit her to hinder her chances of being appointed. The circulation of the whistleblower’s report, despite the lack of formal investigation, illustrates how deeply intertwined the smear tactics are with the broader political struggle.

Justice Musa Ssekaana, another key figure in the DCJ race, has also faced negative publicity. While Ssekaana was once seen as a potential candidate for Chief Justice, his rise has also been met with resistance. The Kibuli Muslim leadership, for instance, expressed dissatisfaction with him over his handling of a case involving Juma Zukuli. Ssekaana’s decision to imprison Sheikh Khalifa Lutaaya and Sheikh Hassan Kinene for contempt of court has further fueled criticism. Additionally, Ssekaana has been accused of being intolerant toward social media critics and personalizing disputes with lawyers during court hearings.

The Deputy Chief Justice Appointment Process

The Deputy Chief Justice is one of the most powerful roles in Uganda’s judiciary. Traditionally, the position has been filled by justices from the Court of Appeal, such as Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, Justice Barishaki Cheborion, and Justice Egonda-Ntende. To qualify, candidates must hold a law degree, have served as judges in the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, or High Court, or have practiced law for at least 15 years.

Sources close to President Museveni indicate that the president is eager to make the appointment soon to prevent a leadership vacuum in the judiciary. In addition, the president has directed that local village leadership elections be completed by May 2026, signaling his desire for swift decision-making.

As the race for the Deputy Chief Justice role heats up, the smear campaigns targeting Wangadya and Ssekaana are expected to continue. These campaigns reflect the deep political and judicial struggles within Uganda’s leadership, with both Wangadya and Ssekaana now at the center of a fierce battle for one of the highest positions in the country’s judiciary. The outcome of this struggle will have a lasting impact on Uganda’s legal system, and both candidates are likely to play key roles in shaping the future of the judiciary.