Highlights of The PS/SJ Quarterly Press Briefing: Insights into FY 2022/2023 Achievements
Dr Pius Bigirimana, The Judiciary Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Judiciary
The Judiciary Permanent Secretary, Dr Pius Bigirimana, on July 31, 2023, held his quarterly press briefing where he updated journalists on the performance of the courts in FY 2022/2023.
He informed journalists that the Construction of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal building is at 92 percent and 85 percent complete respectively and this will save government more than nine billion shillings previously spent on rent.
He said there is ongoing construction of two High Court buildings in Rukungiri and Soroti districts whereas construction of Alebtong, Lyantonde and Budaka Chief Magistrates Courts was steadily progressing.
According to the Permanent Secretary, there is also construction of Abim, Karenga and Patongo courts which is nearing completion.
He has also informed the press about the procurement of 51 vehicles for Justices and Judges; Registrars and Magistrates across the country in hard to reach areas to facilitate locus visits, inspection, monitoring among others.
Dr Bigirimana further said 281 Staff of the Judiciary were recruited, that is judicial and administrative staff in 2022/2023 financial year. Adding that so far 16 courts have got video conferencing systems. He indicated that in an effort to speed up case hearing and production of court transcripts, the Judiciary procured six sets of digital recording and transcription systems at six new High Court circuits of Tororo, Luwero, Rukungiri, Hoima and Iganga and Moroto thereby bringing to a total number of 40 digital court recording and transcription sets.
Dr Bigirimana said the development of a judgement writing tool to ease judgement writing for judicial officers is underway.
The Judiciary Accounting Officer noted that filing of cases through ECCMIS has increased nontax revenue from 5 billion shillings to 7 billion shillings.
Inadequate manpower, transport and court infrastructure are some of the challenges he noted affect dispensation of justice.
In this Financial Year, Dr Bigirimana said the Judiciary will prioritize the completion of court buildings which are still incomplete, renovation of the some old court buildings, procurement of transport equipment, purchasing furniture for courts, land acquisition for construction of courts, automation of courts and also getting alternative power supply for courts due to frequent load shedding.
Posted 31st, July 2023
