The Attorney General, Kiwanuka Kiryowa, and his legal team achieved remarkable success in 2024, winning 311 cases that collectively saved the Government of Uganda UGX 2.8 trillion.
These victories significantly reduced the financial burden on the public purse, despite 101 cases lost, valued at UGX 179.4 billion.
This achievement was highlighted by Robert Kasande, Permanent Secretary of 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 shared insights into the Civil Litigation Directorate’s performance, which handled a total of 1,768 cases in courts, tribunals, and commissions, far surpassing the planned target of 1,239 cases.
These included 329 backlog cases and 63 human rights cases, along with 418 constitutional petitions, appeals, and applications.
“The Attorney General’s team delivered impressive results, winning 311 cases and saving UGX 2.8 trillion. We also defended 180 cases in the East African Community Court of Justice,” Kasande said.
This performance marked a substantial improvement from 2023, when the Attorney General’s office reported winning cases valued at UGX 1.278 trillion from 2,526 cases handled.
Strengthening Legal Services
In addition to litigation success, the Ministry’s Legal Advisory Services Directorate reviewed 5,142 contracts from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), exceeding the target of 3,600.
The directorate also reviewed 544 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and drafted 44 bills, enhancing legal efficiency across government operations.
However, concerns about fund recovery were raised. MP Jonathan Odur (Erute South) questioned whether the Government was effectively reclaiming funds won through these legal battles.
“You have won many cases, but are you recovering the funds? Private individuals enforce their wins, but has the Government done the same?” he asked.
Challenges and Budgetary Needs
Justice Minister Nobert Mao pointed to staffing shortages as a key challenge, especially in regional offices.
“State Attorneys are overstretched, representing both the central and local governments. While this has saved local governments significant costs, it has also drawn criticism from private law firms,” he noted.
To address these issues, the Ministry is seeking UGX 2.5 billion to support Attorney General staff accompanying the President on international trips, and UGX 8.9 billion to establish regional offices, reducing reliance on rented facilities.
“Expanding regional offices and increasing staffing will ensure better legal representation across the country and further enhance the Government’s ability to defend and save public funds,” Mao emphasized.
