Judiciary Prepares to Disburse Shs24 Billion in Unclaimed Bail Funds

The Secretary to the Judiciary, Pius Bigirimana, has called on Ugandans to come forward and reclaim their bail deposits totaling Shs24 billion, which are now ready for payout. This statement came during his appearance before the Public Accounts Committee (Central Government) on March 4, 2026, while reviewing the Auditor General’s Report for the 2024/2025 financial year.

Lawmakers highlighted worries about the Shs54 billion in total bail and security funds sitting idle in Judiciary accounts. Many citizens, particularly from remote areas, remain unaware of or deterred by the claiming procedures due to costs and bureaucracy.

Elgon County MP Ignatius Wamakuyu Mudimi shared his frustration, noting demands for original receipts and high travel expenses—like Shs40,000 to claim Shs100,000—which discourage follow-ups. He is personally pursuing Shs3 million in refunds.

Deputy Chairperson Gorreth Namugga criticized the Judiciary’s lack of outreach efforts and failure to spend Shs13.89 billion on staff recruitment, including drivers and records officers, putting existing employees at risk.

Kashongi County MP Herbert Tayebwa pointed to poor planning, arguing that wage requests lacked proper recruitment strategies, sidelining other agencies.

Bigirimana clarified that the Shs24 billion is immediately available, with sensitization campaigns underway. Options like newspaper listings or radio announcements naming claimants, such as ‘Hon. Basalirwa come pick your money,’ are under consideration. The remaining funds await court orders for security costs.

A committee has been formed to speed up claims and address these issues.

Source: Howwe Entertainment