By Guest WriterThe top leadership of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has converged at Imperial Golf View Hotel in Entebbe for a high-level three-day Budget Conference to chart the Commission’s priorities for Financial Year 2027/2028.The strategic retreat, which has drawn all Members of the Commission, the Secretary to the Commission, Directors, Managers and Senior Human Rights Officers, was this morning officially opened by the Chairperson, Hon. Mariam Wangadya.Hon. Wangadya remains the substantive Chairperson of the Commission following legal guidance that her resignation tendered on 6th July 2026 only takes effect upon formal acceptance by His Excellency the President.She was flanked by her team of the six Commissioners to wit; Hon. Shifrah Lukwago, Hon. Crispin Kaheru, Hon. Lamex Omara Apitta, Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru, Hon. Simeo Muwanga Nsubuga and Hon. Steven Basaliza — alongside the Secretary to the Commission / Accounting Officer, Mr. Kamadi Byonabye, who is leading the technical arm of the retreat.In a no-nonsense opening address, Hon. Wangadya said the meeting comes at a time when public institutions are under intense pressure to prove efficiency and value for money.“We are gathered here at a critical time when public institutions are increasingly expected to demonstrate efficiency, accountability, responsiveness and tangible results from the resources entrusted to them,” she told the team.“As a constitutional body mandated to protect and promote human rights and freedoms in Uganda, the Commission bears a particularly important responsibility to ensure that its interventions translate into meaningful improvements in the lives of citizens.”She challenged the team to think beyond routine mandates.“Our mandate goes beyond receiving complaints, conducting investigations, inspecting detention facilities and undertaking civic education. Ultimately, our effectiveness must be measured by the extent to which our interventions prevent human rights violations, improve access to justice, strengthen accountability of duty bearers and contribute to a society where human rights and fundamental freedoms are respected and protected.”Day One of the conference started with an opening ceremony, followed by a detailed review of the First Quarter performance report and a Monitoring & Evaluation reflection to identify gaps and successes.For the next two days, the Commission leadership will dive into the core budgeting process, aligning resources to strategic priorities ahead of FY 2027/2028.The conference closes on Friday with an expected consolidated draft budget and a clear roadmap for the year ahead. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).