President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni inaugurated the newly constructed Supreme Court and Court of Appeal buildings at the Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala.
During the ceremony, President Museveni commended both the Judiciary and the Ugandan government for their collaboration in funding and erecting these two modern structures.
“This achievement was made possible with government funds, demonstrating the effectiveness of strategic planning and prioritization,” remarked President Museveni. He emphasized the importance of focusing efforts on essential projects to achieve tangible results.
The President reiterated the government’s commitment to increasing the court system budget to Shs800 billion, despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and other disruptions.
Reflecting on Uganda’s economic history, President Museveni highlighted the country’s journey from a colonial enclave economy to its present state, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and diversification to achieve sustainable growth.
Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his dedication to providing permanent homes for the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, ending years of operating in rented premises.
Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of having dedicated court facilities free from interruptions by unrelated businesses.
The Permanent Secretary of the Judiciary, Mr. Pius Bigirimana, thanked President Museveni for his support in enhancing the Judiciary’s budget, which facilitated the completion of the project. He also noted that the new buildings would save the Judiciary Shs6 billion annually in rental costs.
The commissioning of these buildings marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s judicial history, providing modern, dedicated facilities for the country’s highest courts.