Members of the committee that oversee the funds of the taxpayer have requested the Judiciary to publish lists of names of people who are owed money they deposited as security in various cases across the country.
Led by the permanent secretary, Pius Bigirimana, they have been responding to some of the issues highlighted in the Auditor General's report for the financial year 2024/2025.
The report indicated that out of 54.4 billion shillings that people were owed, only 17.56 billion had been recovered, with 37.2 billion shillings outstanding still held in the Judiciary's accounts.
MPs Xavier Kyoma (Ibanda North) and Ignatius Mudimi (Bulambuli County) stated that there should be a better system to enable people to recover their bail money after their cases are concluded, noting that currently, many people fear losing it and abscond.
Among those owed money is the MP for Bugiri Municipality, who is also a member of the committee, Asuman Basalirwa, who is owed 3 million shillings, even though he has not yet claimed it after losing payment documents that enable him claim his money.
The deputy chairperson of the committee, Goreth Namugga, stated that these lists will help everyone owed their money to recover it before the official swearing in of the 12th parliament.
The Registrar of the Judiciary, Lamunu Pamela Ocaya, informed the MPs that there are several methods they use to pay people, including mobile money, although many are afraid to collect it
Pius Bigirimana, stated that they are awaiting permission to publish the lists in the media and on various platforms as requested.
