By Mulengera Reporters
The Attorney General, Kiwanuka Kiryowa, and his team secured significant legal victories in 2024, winning 311 cases that saved the Government UGX 2.8 trillion, while losing 101 cases worth UGX 179.4 billion.
This was revealed by Robert Kasande, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, during the presentation of the 2025/26 Budget Framework Paper to the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee. Kasande detailed the Ministry’s performance in the Civil Litigation Directorate, highlighting its success in handling 1,768 cases, including 329 backlog cases and 63 human rights cases.
“We had planned for 1,239 cases in Courts, Tribunals, and Commissions but exceeded this, handling 1,768 cases. We also tackled 418 constitutional petitions, appeals, and applications, winning 311 cases and saving UGX 2.8 trillion. We defended 180 cases in the East African Community Court of Justice,” Kasande explained.
This marked an improvement from 2023 when the Attorney General’s office reported winning cases worth UGX 1.278 trillion out of 2,526 handled.
Kasande also reported exceptional performance in the Legal Advisory Services Directorate, which reviewed 5,142 contracts from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), exceeding its target of 3,600. Additionally, the Ministry reviewed 544 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and drafted 44 bills, among other legal services.
However, MP Jonathan Odur (Erute South) raised concerns about the recovery of funds from these legal victories. He questioned, “You have won many cases, but are you recovering the funds? Private individuals enforce their wins, but has the Government done the same?”
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Nobert Mao, acknowledged staffing shortages as a challenge, especially in regional offices. He noted that State Attorneys are stretched thin, representing not only the central Government but also local governments, reducing reliance on private law firms.
“This shift has saved local governments significant costs, but it has also attracted backlash from private law firms,” Mao said. He called for increased staffing and resources to support local governments in drafting by-laws and defending cases.
For the 2025/26 budget, the Ministry is seeking UGX 2.5 billion to cover expenses for Attorney General staff accompanying the President on international trips, as well as UGX 8.9 billion to establish regional offices and reduce reliance on rented facilities.
Mao emphasized the need for these funds, saying, “We need more people on the ground to handle legal matters effectively. Expanding regional offices will ensure the Government is adequately represented across the country. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
