JUDICIARY Latest Features

(L-R): Hon. Justice Richard Buteera (Deputy Chief Justice) and Dr. Pius Bigirimana (Permanent Secretary/Secretary to Judiciary) at the Planning, Development, And Finance Committee Meeting

Earlier, the Planning, Development, and Finance Committee chaired by the Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Richard Buteera, held a meeting at the Court of Appeal in Kampala. 

The DCJ noted that the focus of the meeting was organized to discuss the Programme Implementation Action Plan (PIAP), the draft Judiciary budget for the Financial Year 2025/26,and the Infrastructure Subcommittee report.

He recalled that the Committee first met on August 2, 2024, followed by another meeting on October21, 2024, adding that these meetings helped members understand their mandate and develop a clear and elaborate work plan with a strategy and schedule to guide them in executing their functions.

He encouraged members to actively engage in the discussion with a focus of coming up with actionable recommendations.

During the meeting, Mr. Opolot Simon Peter (Head of Policy and Planning) made presentations of the Programme Implementation Action Plan (PIAP) and the draft Judiciary Budget for the Financial Year 2025/26.

On PIAP, he noted that the National Planning Authority is finalizing the Fourth National Development Plan (NDPIV) for 2025/26-2029/30, currently awaiting approval from Parliament.

The Plan aims to increase household incomes and employment for sustainable socio-economic transformation.

The Administration of Justice Programme (AJP) remains central under NDPIV, focusing on improving access to justice. Led by the Chief Justice, the Programme includes key justice institutions such as Judiciary (lead), Judicial Service Commission, and Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) among others and aligns with NDPIV's governance objectives. Key targets by 2029/30 include reducing case backlog, improving access to justice services, and strengthening judicial processes.

The Judiciary is also developing its Sixth Judiciary Strategic Plan (2025/26-2029/30) aligned to NDPIV, ensuring streamlined justice service delivery.

Mr. Opolot also presented the draft Judiciary budget for the Financial Year 2025/26, which amounts to UGX 614.99 billion. This is an increase from the approved UGX 442.26 billion in the current financial year, requiring an additional UGX 244 billion.

This budget aims to enhance access to justice, improve efficiency in handling cases, and strengthen overall service delivery within the Judiciary.

It will support key priorities such as reducing case backlog through daily hearings and special court sessions, promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) through Small Claims Procedure, Plea Bargaining Mediation, and expanding the use of technology by rolling out the Electronic Court Case Management System (ECCMIS)to more courts and increasing video conferencing facilities.

The Budget will also fund the construction and renovation of court buildings, land acquisition for construction of courts, procurement of transport equipment, provision of alternative power sources, training for judicial and non-judicial officers, and providing court furniture.

In his remarks, Dr. Pius Bigirimana (Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Judiciary), noted that a large part of the budget is allocated to case management because it is the core function of the Judiciary. However, he expressed concern about the development budget, questioning how court renovations and new constructions would be handled, especially in areas with new High Court Circuits. He also emphasized the importance of ECCMIS and Court Case Management System (CCAS), stating that they are critical to the Judiciary's operations.

Eng. Priscilla Nakiboneka, the Acting Commissioner for Engineering and Technical Services, presented the Infrastructure Subcommittee report on the status of court buildings. She provided updates on court building ownership, the condition of Judiciary-owned court buildings, progress in equipping courts with alternative power, furniture supply, and progress on planned construction for the FY2024/25.

The report shows that court buildings have evolved from donor funded designs to updated standard court designs now in use. Currently, 115 courts, making up 48% of all court buildings, are housed in Judiciary-owned structures.

According to the Report, out of 24 operational High Courts and seven Divisions, 15 have been supplied with generators, covering 48% of them. Additionally, seven generators have been supplied to Chief Magistrate Courts, and 44 solar systems installed, mainly in Magistrates' Courts.

The report also indicated plans to construct more courts in the 2025/26 Financial Year, including two regional Courts of Appeal in Gulu and Mbarara.

The meeting was moderated by the Chief Registrar, HW Sarah Langa Siu and drew participation from different court levels

In attendance; Lady Justice Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza (Justice Supreme Court), Justice Lawrence Gidudu (Head Anti-Corruption Division), Lady Justices; Damalie N.Lwanga (Executive Director, JTI), Henrietta Wolayo, Registrars; HW Rosemary Bareebe (High Court), HW Kisakye Mary Kaitesi (Magistrates Affairs and Data Management), HW Lamunu Pamela Ocaya (Inspector of Courts), and HW Dr. Mushabe Alex Karocho (Private Legal Secretary to the DCJ).

Ms. Apophia N. Tumwine(Commissioner, Human Resource), Mr. Naigo Stephen Emitu (Assistant Commissioner, Accounts), Mr. David Kikabi (Head, ICT), and Mr. Deo Kasozi(Head, Procurement Unit), among others, were also present.