Katureebe upset over graft claims against Judiciary
In attendance. Chief Justice Bart Katureebe (2nd right) flanked by his deputy Owiny Dollo and Principal Judge Yorokamu Bamwine (right) listen to Mr Pius Bigirimana, the newly appointed PS to the Judiciary during his official hand over ceremony yesterday. PHOTO BY STEPHEN OTAGE
What you need to know:
- Tough times. Chief Justice Bart Katureebe says the Judiciary is faced with unending allegations. He implored the new PS to push for quick investigations.
The Chief Justice, Bart Katureebe, yesterday spoke of his displeasure over unending allegations of graft against the Judiciary and the sending of the institution’s Permanent Secretary (PS), Mr Kivumbi Kagole, on forced leave.
Mr Kivumbi is a subject of Parliament and police investigations in relation to queries over less-than-satisfactory accountability for Shs32b.
He returned from the forced leave yesterday to hand over office to his replacement, Mr Pius Bigirimana, the former Gender ministry PS, whom Cabinet Secretary John Mitala on July 26 directed to expressly switch to Judiciary.
At the handover yesterday, held in a restrained and gloomy disposition, Justice Katureebe said: “I wish this was a happier occasion. A handover in a happy occasion. I do not want to pretend that I am happy. This has happened at a time when we in the Judiciary, not only Mr Kagole, but us as individuals, have been dragged so much in the mud.”
He added: “I pray to the new PS (Bigirimana), now that, you the owner of the home, you should push whoever is investigating whatever they are [investigating] to, as speedily as possible, finalise the investigations so that we know the truth.”
Justice Katureebe said the core foundation of justice, integrity and trust, appear shaken based on the circumstances under which he was witnessing Mr Kivumbi handover to Mr Bigirimana. The Judiciary cannot live in shadow of the allegations, he added.
The Chief Justice praised the outgoing PS, who served for two-and-half years, for spearheading upgrade of court infrastructure and ensuring timely payment of judicial staff.
Mr Kivumbi said he was proud of his accomplishments within a short time and drew his successor’s attention to the Judiciary Administration Bill, pending enactment, and new staff hires.
"I wish this was a happier occasion. A handover in a happy occasion. I do not want to pretend that I am happy. This has happened at a time when we in the Judiciary, not only Mr Kagole, but us as individuals, have been dragged so much in the mud.” Bart Katureebe, Chief Justice
He cautioned Mr Bigirimana that there is a lot of procurement-related excitement about Shs20b kitty for construction of a building in Kampala to house the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal building.
Mr Bigirimana pledged to be a loyal servant, aware that he will be working in an important arm of the government.
“I want to assure you that I come here with a lot of experience and that I will apply the principles as required. I have got a policy of reaching out to others to know how things are done though, I have got some few other ideas,” Mr Bigirimana said.
He offered to within a few days present to the Chief Justice a proposal on strengthening management of the Judiciary.
