Ugandans have been urged to rush and claim their bail money after Parliament discovered that more than Shs54 billion is lying idle in Judiciary accounts. The call was made by Judiciary Secretary Pius Bigirimana while appearing before the Public Accounts Committee on Wednesday. Bigirimana told MPs that Shs24 billion is already ready for payment but […]
Ugandans have been urged to rush and claim their bail money after Parliament discovered that more than Shs54 billion is lying idle in Judiciary accounts.
The call was made by Judiciary Secretary Pius Bigirimana while appearing before the Public Accounts Committee on Wednesday.
Bigirimana told MPs that Shs24 billion is already ready for payment but the owners have not come forward to claim it.
“We are sensitising the population and we are saying that if you come, we will give you your money. We are even considering publishing names of bail claimants in newspapers or putting announcements on radio saying, Hon. Basalirwa come and pick your money,” Bigirimana said.
The revelation shocked MPs who questioned why so much money has remained untouched.
Elgon County MP Ignatius Wamakuyu Mudimi said the complicated procedures discourage people from claiming their cash.
Mudimi revealed that he himself is yet to claim Shs3 million in bail deposits.
“For people coming from remote constituencies, it does not make sense for one to use transport of Shs40,000 to claim the bail of Shs100,000,” he said.
The Deputy Chairperson of the committee, Gorreth Namugga, blasted the Judiciary for failing to inform the public about the refunds.
She also criticised officials for failing to use Shs13.89 billion meant for recruitment and salary enhancements.
“You want 50 drivers but cannot recruit them. Don’t you think that you are putting Judiciary staff at risk?” Namugga asked.
Kashongi County MP Herbert Tayebwa also accused the Judiciary of poor planning.
“You must have had a recruitment plan before this money was approved. It means other agencies were denied an opportunity to recruit staff,” Tayebwa said.
Bigirimana explained that the rest of the money in the accounts is security for costs deposited before cases or appeals are heard, which can only be released after court orders are issued.
