JUDICIARY Latest Features

Participants undergo practical training in Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS)

A three-day hands-on training for Registrars and Heads of Department on the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) kicked off this morning at the Judiciary Headquarters. The training, which runs from 16th to 18th July, is a key step in the Judiciary's preparation for the adoption of IFMS in the Financial Year 2025/26.

The training is designed to equip key Judiciary personnel with practical, real-time skills to effectively operate the system and support the Judiciary's transition to modern, accountable, and transparent financial management aligned with national public sector reforms.

Delivering opening remarks on behalf of the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Judiciary and Accounting Officer, Under Secretary Ms. Maureen Kasande welcomed participants and stressed the importance of the training in enhancing institutional readiness. She noted that IFMS is not merely a tool, but a cornerstone of the Government of Uganda's broader strategy to modernize public financial management across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

"IFMS integrates core functions -from budgeting and expenditure control to accounting and reporting - into one secure, centralised platform," she said. "This aligns the Judiciary with government-wide governance and accountability frameworks."

Ms. Kasande encouraged participants to take full advantage of the training, calling it a critical opportunity to develop the skills necessary for a seamless transition. She also extended appreciation to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and especially to Mr. Norbert Hillary Okello from the Office of the Accountant General, for his continued technical support and guidance.

Mr. Simon Peter Opolot, Head of Policy and Planning, clarified that the training primarily targets Registrars in their role as Vote Controllers but also includes Deputy Registrars and Department Heads who play an integral role in the Judiciary's financial oversight.

Over the course of three days, participants are engaging in interactive sessions covering key IFMS functionalities - including system navigation, the Chart of Accounts, funds inquiry, creation and approval of purchase requisitions, invoice processing, and report generation. All sessions are delivered in a real-time, hands-on environment.

The lead facilitator of the training is Mr. Norbert Hillary Okello, from the Office of the Accountant General, provided a comprehensive overview of the IFMS platform. He explained that the System operates within a secure, Government-controlled environment, with access limited to designated IFMS centres to ensure system integrity and data security.

He emphasized that IFMS introduces an embedded approval hierarchy, enabling structured workflows, better fiscal discipline, and real-time oversight of financial transactions.

"IFMS enhances operational efficiency, standardizes financial processes, reduces redundancy, and strengthens expenditure control - all vital for accountable service delivery,"Mr. Okello noted.

Uganda first rolled out IFMS in 2003with an initial pilot involving 10 entities. The system has since been expanded in phases and now serves over 270 government institutions, all supported by government staff.

The Judiciary's participation in this training marks a significant milestone in aligning with national financial systems and reflects its commitment to adopting digital tools to enhance transparency, accountability, and service delivery in the administration of justice.