Judiciary To Spend Sh136b On Reform

Dec 10, 2002

THE justice, law and order sector has embarked on a US$74m (sh136b) reform programme aimed at improving efficiency and restoring public confidence in institutions that deal with the administration of justice.

By John Eremu
THE justice, law and order sector has embarked on a US$74m (sh136b) reform programme aimed at improving efficiency and restoring public confidence in institutions that deal with the administration of justice.

Justice minister Janat Mukwaya told journalists yesterday that studies showed that Police investigations were often slow and incomplete, while sentences imposed by courts were always perceived as too lenient and slow.

“Where justice does not appear to be meted out, the public has in many instances taken the law into their hands in the form of lynching suspects and other violent means,” Mukwaya said.

She said the Government and donors had a plan to promote greater policy coherence, accountability, coordination and efficiency.

“The purpose of this reform strategy is to promote the rule of law, public confidence in the criminal justice system and to improve the ability of the private sector to make and enforce commercial contracts,” Mukwaya said.

The conference, ahead of the sector’s review that starts at Sheraton Kampala Hotel today, was attended by Francesco Mascini, the First secretary at the Netherlands Embassy, who chairs the donor group.

The five-year programme that started this year will see donors inject sh48.7b for the sector while the Government will contribute sh25.8b.

Mascini said the donors attached importance to the justice sector because it ensures security of life and property.
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