Judiciary losing Shs 14 billion in annual rent

This was revealed by Pius Bigirimana, the Judiciary Permanent Secretary who was giving a quarterly performance press briefing on Monday, July 31. 

“Some of our courts are still operating from rented premises which cost the Judiciary approximately UGX 13.98 Bn per annum,” said Bigirimana.

“Most of the court buildings are dilapidated, they are very small and lack adequate facilities to match the staff and court user needs.” 

Mr Bigirimana said the Judiciary is currently working toward building new courts and offices in order to reduce the rent cost to zero.

In this regard, he revealed that the new state of the art court buildings are set to be opened by the close of this Financial Year. 

The two structures located at the High Court building, once completed, will be the new home for both the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court/Court of Appeal.

“The Supreme Court building is at 92% completion while the Court of Appeal building is at 85% completion,” he said.

The Judiciary spends up to Shs 10 billion annually on rent for the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.

In the last Financial Year, the PS says, a number of new court premises were completed. These include Mukono High Court, Butamabala and Mayuge Chief Magistrates Court. Kole Justice Centre, Namayingo Justice Centre are at the finishing stage. Meanwhile, Kamwenge Chief Magistrate Court Buhweju, Namayingo and Kole Justice Centres are nearing completion