Mr Pius Bigirimana (pictured), the Permanent Secretary/ Secretary to the Judiciary , one of the arms of government- has been awarded by The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL) for his work in “making people-centered justice happen lies with each one of us”.
In its communication to Mr Bigirimana, HiiL commended him for adding to the knowledge about how justice can be expeditiously delivered at a time when “the demand for justice” is higher than ever due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“With your wisdom and the active participation of hundreds of participants we have a better picture than ever what is needed for us to develop the justice sector that can deliver the game changers that are both needed and possible to close the justice gap,” Mr Sam Muller and Mr Kanan Dhru wrote in an email communication to Mr Bigirimana.
Mr Sam added; “Thank you for speaking at our 11th Annual Innovating Justice Forum. This edition will be remembered for many reasons. It took place at a time of unprecedented global crisis – a time when the demand for justice is higher than ever. It was the first time we ever did it online. And, lastly, it had double the number of participants with more geographical spread than ever.”
Recognizing Bigirimana’s contribution to the innovating justice forum, a tree number 1077 will be planted on his behalf and a picture of this tree will be sent to him.
The organizers say, had it not been COVID pandemic, Mr Bigirimana would have travelled to Hague to plant the tree himself.
Commenting about the award, Mr Bigirimana said, “I do receive the award with much appreciation. I think the International Community, like some Ugandans have seen the value addition I have made to the Judiciary in the last one and a half years I have been in this office.”
Following his transfer to the Judiciary in 2019, Mr Bigirimana won plaudits for resolving longstanding tension between Judiciary administrators and judicial officers, as he convinced them to bury their differences and jointly interface to generate work plans as one Senior Management Team.
Mr Bigirimana also has been very supportive on the introduction of performance Enhancement Tool (PET) which is critical for evaluating performance of Judicial officers.
The seasoned civil servant has also been lauded for fast-tracking of the construction of the nine storied twin buildings that will host both Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, a process that had stalled since 1999.
Construction of the Shs63.9 billion-project started in March 2020 and is expected to be completed in 24 months and with the both Courts under one roof, delivery of justice will be seamless.
Bigirimana at a glance:
Born seventh in a family of ten in Kisoro district, Bigirimana is a holder of two masters degrees: MA Business Administration (ESAMI, Arusha, TZ -2010) and MA Arts in Development Administration majoring in Economic and Social Policy (Manchester, 1991).
He also holds a certificate with a distinction in budgeting and Financial Management in Government from Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University in the year 2000.
Prior to this, he attained a Post-graduate Diploma in Development Administration majoring in Economic and Social Policy (Manchester, 1988) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Public Administration (Mak, 1983).
