Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera has underscored the critical role of the planning, development, and finance committee in overseeing the Judiciary's financial and resource management.
He emphasised the committee's importance in monitoring the Judiciary's performance in achieving its strategic objectives and priorities.
Justice Buteera made these remarks while chairing the inaugural meeting of the Planning, Development, and Finance Committee at the Court of Appeal Conference Hall in Kampala.
The meeting focused on outlining the committee's roles and establishing a sub-committee on Infrastructure Management.
The Deputy Chief Justice highlighted that the committee was established under the Administration of the Judiciary Act 2020 to ensure the effective administration of the Judiciary, as stipulated in Section 6(1) and (2) of the Act.
The committee's functions are further detailed in the Administration of the Judiciary (Establishment of Committees) Regulations, 2023.
Justice Buteera explained that the committee is responsible for reviewing and considering new policies, strategies, plans, programs, and projects, including conducting relevant research.
"It will guide the financing of approved policies, strategies, plans, programs, and projects while aligning them with national priorities to ensure the achievement of key objectives.
The committee will also review the progress in implementing the Judiciary's strategic plan against agreed performance targets on a quarterly basis," he said.
The Deputy Chief Justice noted significant improvements in human and financial resources, as well as infrastructure developments in Kampala and other parts of the country.
He emphasised the need for the committee to clearly define its role from the outset and to utilize resources effectively through timely and strategic planning.
Justice Buteera also stressed the importance of having a comprehensive work plan with short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals.
He highlighted the need to rationalize the Judiciary's actions and to maintain the new courts and tools of work in good condition. Additionally, he urged committee members to be guided by the needs of the people they serve and to establish clearly defined deliverables to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
During the meeting, the Secretary to the Judiciary, Dr. Pius Bigirimana, informed the committee that the Government operates within a National Development Framework, which is guided by the National Development Plan (NDP).
He emphasised the need for work plans and strategic plans to be consistent with the NDP.
It was also agreed during the meeting that the previous Infrastructure Committee would be adopted as the Sub-committee on Infrastructure Management.
This sub-committee is composed of key Judiciary officials, including the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Judiciary (Chairperson), Chief Registrar, Registrar Inspectorate, Registrar Planning, Research and Development, Under Secretary, Head Procurement, Head ICT, Head Policy and Planning, and Head Engineering and Technical Services (Secretary)