President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially inaugurated the newly constructed Supreme Court and Court of Appeal buildings at the Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala.
In his remarks, President Museveni commended both the Judiciary and the government of Uganda for their collaboration in funding and erecting these modern structures.
“This accomplishment stands as a testament to the potential of our nation when we prioritize and allocate resources effectively. By demonstrating prudent financial management, we have proven that with careful planning, there are no limits to what we can achieve,” President Museveni remarked.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to increase the court system budget to Shs800 billion, despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and economic fluctuations.
Reflecting on Uganda’s economic journey, President Museveni highlighted the transformative efforts of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government in revitalizing the economy through strategic planning and diversification.
“We have moved through various phases of recovery and expansion, focusing on both quantitative growth and qualitative development. Our current objective is to add value to our raw materials, propelling our economy towards becoming a high middle-income country,” President Museveni emphasized.
The commissioning ceremony also marked a historic milestone for the Judiciary, as Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo noted. Since 1967, the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court had operated without a permanent home, facing logistical challenges and compromising security.
Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera expressed gratitude for the government’s support, ensuring that the Judiciary now has a dedicated space for its operations, free from interruptions and incompatible activities.
Furthermore, Mr. Pius Bigirimana, the Permanent Secretary of the Judiciary, lauded the transparent procurement process and the financial backing provided by President Museveni, which enabled the realization of this project.
With the establishment of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal buildings, the Judiciary anticipates annual savings of Shs6 billion previously spent on renting facilities for these courts.