The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) serves to monitor and advance human rights in Uganda.
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The UHRC is a body established under the 1995 Constitution Article 51 under the Bill of Rights found in Chapter four of the Constitution. It is based on the Paris Principles which are the guidelines for the establishment of a national human rights institution. Its mandate is spelled out in Article 52 of the Constitution.
The Commission is composed of a Chairperson, currently Mr Med S.K Kaggwa, and not less than three other persons, appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament. There are at this time seven commissioners. The Chairperson and Members of the Commission have to be persons of high moral character and proven integrity. They serve for a period of six years and are eligible for re-appointment.
Commission chairpersons
International status
The UHRC is accredited with "A status" by the International Co-ordinating Committee of National Human Rights Institutions (ICC), giving it enhanced access to the United Nations human rights system. It is also a member of the Network of African NHRIs (NANHRI).