Mariam Wangadya: Kyagulanyi says public officials should prioritise integrity over political loyalty
The opposition leader cited several public figures whom he said had experienced similar political fortunes after serving the state, arguing that loyalty within the political system is often transactional rather than enduring.
National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has urged public officials to uphold their integrity, arguing that political power is temporary while personal reputations endure.
In a statement issued on Monday, Kyagulanyi said Uganda has witnessed a recurring pattern in which individuals entrusted with public office allegedly become instruments of the ruling establishment, only to be abandoned once they are no longer considered politically useful.
His comments followed reports that Uganda Human Rights Commission Chairperson Mariam Wangadya had resigned from her position. Kyagulanyi did not provide evidence for the reasons behind the reported resignation but said it should serve as a lesson for those serving in public office.
“Offices are temporary but reputations are permanent. Power expires. Titles disappear. Official protection ends. What remains is your name, your conscience, and the legacy of the choices you made while you had authority,” Kyagulanyi said.
The opposition leader cited several public figures whom he said had experienced similar political fortunes after serving the state, arguing that loyalty within the political system is often transactional rather than enduring.
Kyagulanyi said many officials are appointed and empowered to advance political interests instead of serving the public, a practice he believes ultimately harms citizens and leaves the officials themselves vulnerable once their usefulness ends.
He urged public servants to carefully consider the long-term consequences of their actions before participating in decisions that could undermine the rights of fellow Ugandans.
“Before accepting the role of persecuting, silencing, or oppressing fellow Ugandans for political survival or personal gain, ask yourself one question: what will remain when the office and the power is gone?” he said.
Kyagulanyi concluded by warning that political systems can easily replace those who serve them, but individuals must live with the legacy of the choices they make while in office.
As of Monday, there had been no official government response to Kyagulanyi’s remarks. Likewise, the Uganda Human Rights Commission had not publicly commented on the reported resignation of Wangadya.
This version attributes all opinions to Kyagulanyi, avoids presenting allegations as fact, and notes that the reported resignation had not been officially confirmed at the time of writing.
