Netherlands gives sh9b to law reform programme
Sep 09, 2011
THE Netherlands Embassy has provided sh9.47b in support of the Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS) reform programme.
By Joyce Namutebi
THE Netherlands Embassy has provided sh9.47b in support of the Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS) reform programme.
The money, which is the first instalment of its support to the programme, was disbursed on Tuesday.
This follows the signing of an arrangement between the Government and The Netherlands Embassy in Kampala.
A press release from the embassy said under the agreement, The Netherlands would fund 42% of the activities and investments of the programme for the 2011/2012 financial year, to a tune of sh20b
The agreement was signed in July.
The programme focuses on improving access to justice for all and enhancing respect for human rights across JLOS institutions.
Ambassador Jeroen Verheul welcomed the progress made by the sector in the last year.
He said this progress justifies continued support by The Netherlands.
“Physical access to justice has greatly improved and the average time prisoners spend on remand has been reduced significantly,†Verheul said.
He, however, noted that concerns remain over accountability and limited progress in tackling corruption.
“That is why the current work plan is focusing on strengthening disciplinary and inspection commissions in institutions,†Verheul said.
“On top of governance concerns that have to do with a lack of accountability, we have seen a significantly weaker performance in the areas of macroeconomic and budget management in the last fiscal year,†he added.
Verheul said whereas in previous years, Netherlands provided sector budget support, Uganda no longer qualifies for this modality.
“The Government and The Netherlands Parliament are assessing countries that receive budget support, especially on issues of political and financial governance,†Verheul said.
He said the Dutch wanted to be assured that their tax payers’ money was spent impeccably.
Verheul explained that The Netherlands had moved away from the sector budget support modality for Uganda as basic conditions for that type of support are not here anymore.
Under the new agreement, the Dutch funds can only be used for the programme, and not for the general sector budget that covers wages and other recurrent costs.
Verheul said this would enable the Dutch Embassy to monitor the spending more closely.
The Netherlands is a long standing partner of the justice sector and is currently chairing the JLOS Donor Partners Group.
The group meets regularly to coordinate support and to discuss progress in the sector.
THE Netherlands Embassy has provided sh9.47b in support of the Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS) reform programme.
The money, which is the first instalment of its support to the programme, was disbursed on Tuesday.
This follows the signing of an arrangement between the Government and The Netherlands Embassy in Kampala.
A press release from the embassy said under the agreement, The Netherlands would fund 42% of the activities and investments of the programme for the 2011/2012 financial year, to a tune of sh20b
The agreement was signed in July.
The programme focuses on improving access to justice for all and enhancing respect for human rights across JLOS institutions.
Ambassador Jeroen Verheul welcomed the progress made by the sector in the last year.
He said this progress justifies continued support by The Netherlands.
“Physical access to justice has greatly improved and the average time prisoners spend on remand has been reduced significantly,†Verheul said.
He, however, noted that concerns remain over accountability and limited progress in tackling corruption.
“That is why the current work plan is focusing on strengthening disciplinary and inspection commissions in institutions,†Verheul said.
“On top of governance concerns that have to do with a lack of accountability, we have seen a significantly weaker performance in the areas of macroeconomic and budget management in the last fiscal year,†he added.
Verheul said whereas in previous years, Netherlands provided sector budget support, Uganda no longer qualifies for this modality.
“The Government and The Netherlands Parliament are assessing countries that receive budget support, especially on issues of political and financial governance,†Verheul said.
He said the Dutch wanted to be assured that their tax payers’ money was spent impeccably.
Verheul explained that The Netherlands had moved away from the sector budget support modality for Uganda as basic conditions for that type of support are not here anymore.
Under the new agreement, the Dutch funds can only be used for the programme, and not for the general sector budget that covers wages and other recurrent costs.
Verheul said this would enable the Dutch Embassy to monitor the spending more closely.
The Netherlands is a long standing partner of the justice sector and is currently chairing the JLOS Donor Partners Group.
The group meets regularly to coordinate support and to discuss progress in the sector.