MANIFESTO WEEK! Justice Ministry Saves Gov’t Shs1.2 Trillion, US$ 16 Million In Court Cases

Published by Secondopinion Writer at May 6, 2021

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The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu has commended the Attorney General’s Chamber for the good work done in saving govern shillings 1. 2 trillion and US$16 million in court cases won.

“These are through cases won and what would have otherwise been awarded as costs,” Prof. Kamuntu said on Wednesday at the OPM Auditorium as he reviewed the ministry’s progress in term of the 2016-2021 manifesto.

“I think the AG chamber is doing a commendable job,” he added.

Meanwhile, Government of Uganda is constructing a storied twin tower to house Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. Prof. Kamuntu says the construction worth Shs63.9billion is due for completion next year 2022. He said the project will afford the two appellate Courts a permanent home and save the government more than UGX 6billion per year which is currently being spent on rent for the two courts. This is part of the ministry’s plan for the 2021-2026 period.

Others include; Making every district a magisterial area with a Chief Magistrate, appointing /hiring acting Judges on short-term basis, expand the use of alternative dispute, Elimination of Case Backlog (cases that are over three years), Improved Legal Advisory Services, Regulate the Legal Profession, carry out effective representation of Government in Court, effective administration of Estates of deceased, Strengthening the legal institutional frameworks, Strengthen Anti-Corruption Institutions in particular Judiciary and DPP.

However, High tribunal caseload of 1,200 as at 31st December 2020 stands as a huge challenge. Secondly, ever since Government decentralized the payment of court awards and compensation to MDAs effected on 1^st July 2015, the decision has been faced with challenges of some complainants failing to follow up payments. Many MDAs do not provide adequate budgets for the awards which leads to delays in access to justice by the human rights victims. The other challenge is increased litigation as Ugandans have realized their rights.

The ministry plans to strengthen a People Centered JLOS Service Delivery System, Implement the Bill Of Rights And Entrench A Human Rights Based Approach in the Sector, Strengthen JLOS Business Processes to Promote Private Sector Development, De-concentrate service delivery and ensure functional and physical presence of JLOS service points, Strengthen Justice for children, Ensure stakeholders empowerment, gender equality and equitable access to justice, Strengthen informal justice and transitional justice mechanisms, Strengthen JLOS Business Processes to Promote Private Sector Development, Reform and update laws to promote competitiveness and regional integration, Strengthen commercial and land dispute resolution processes and institutions, Strengthen business registries (URSB, DCIC, NIRA, NGO Bureau) and carry out clearance of Court Award Arrears among others.