The government of Uganda is to spend over Shs 64 billion in the construction of a seven-storey twin Appellate Courts building for the judiciary arm in Kampala.
The Construction of the appellate courts building with two basement floor and parking lots for 226 vehicles, will be executed by Seyani Brothers within two years and all costs will be paid for by the government.
While presiding over the groundbreaking ceremony at the Judiciary headquarters in Kampala, Chief Justice, Bart Katureebe, said the construction was part of a larger project which aims at ensuring that the Judiciary is transformed.
“The project of building the Appellate Courts started in 1999 and has moved through many stages including the use of Public-Private Partnership. I am therefore glad to inform you that the activities that we have witnessed today constitute part of the measures that the Judiciary is undertaking to meet the service level expectations from our Customers by providing physical access to justice,” he said.
He added; “This project entails the construction of the Court of Appeal building which will have 20 chambers for Justices, five Board rooms, four Court halls, three Registries and three chambers for the Registrars. It will also have the Supreme Court building which will house: 12 Chambers for Justices, three Court halls, three Chambers for Registrars and three Registries amongst others.”
Katureebe added that open days are being held all over the country, the courts now have an operational call centre and salaries for Judicial Officers have been enhanced.
“Our focus is now going to be put on a performance using our Performance Enhancement Tool, this groundbreaking ceremony is a clear indication of accountability through transparency in procurement and project management,” he added.
He said, the project of building the Appellate courts is in line with the Millennium Development Goals, the Country’s Vision 2040 and the Strategic Investment plan of the Judiciary and JLOS, all geared towards the Social and Economic Transformation of the country.
Judiciary’s Permanent Secretary, Pius Bigirimana, said that it’s time to rebuild the image of the Judiciary and gain its rightful position as a critical Arm of Government.
“With this building in place, the Judiciary will save at least Shs6 billion it pays annually in rent for the appellate courts, it will also have customised courthouses with modern courtrooms, chambers for the justices, a gym and restaurant, among other amenities,” he said.
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