Judiciary Faces Criticism for Holding Onto Shs300m in Litigants' Funds

The Judiciary is facing mounting pressure concerning the delayed release of significant funds, totaling approximately Shs300 million, which were deposited as security for costs in a commercial dispute. These funds are linked to a long-standing legal battle involving Mavid Pharmaceuticals and Pakistan-based Royal Group.

Sources indicate that the outstanding amounts include $62,819 (Shs256 million) and an additional Shs50 million. The controversy was amplified by a letter dated December 3, 2025, from Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire. In his correspondence, Justice Kiryabwire, who had mediated one of the appeals, urged the Chief Registrar to expedite the release of these funds, noting that the involved parties had successfully resolved their differences through mediation.

This situation highlights ongoing concerns about delays within the judicial system, even when parties manage to reach amicable settlements outside of prolonged court proceedings. Litigants have previously voiced similar complaints regarding the slow pace of justice and the prolonged holding of their deposited funds, even after alternative dispute resolution mechanisms have proven successful.

The Judiciary’s efficiency has been a subject of public discussion, particularly in light of its stated aims to adopt modern technologies like artificial intelligence for faster record production and to decentralize court sittings to reduce case backlogs and ease the burden on litigants. However, the current delay in releasing these deposited funds raises questions about the practical implementation of these goals and the accessibility of justice for ordinary citizens.