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The head of the Anti-Corruption Court says the court handles complex cases, often characterised by evidence that is predominantly digitalised.

Justice Lawrence Gidudu emphasized that unlike other courts, the Anti-Corruption Court places a heavier reliance on database evidence rather than eyewitness testimony when hearing cases.

Gidudu made the remarks during the first ever National Court Open Day symposium organised by the Judiciary on Monday, April 15, 2024. The event was held at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala.

Members of the Judiciary headed by Principal Judge Dr Flavian Zeija arrived at Kololo in a procession from the High Court in Kampala, the headquarters of the Judiciary.

Entities involved in the justice chain in the country such as the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Police, Prisons, Judicial Service Commission, Uganda Law Reform Commission among others and several non-government organisations (NGO) involved in justice were showing case on what they do in regard to access to justice.

Accompanied by Justice Okuo Kajuga, registrar Beatrice Atingu, senior principal grade one magistrate Abert Asiimwe and grade one magistrate Esther Asiimwe, Gidudu addressed judicial officers and the public. He highlighted that the court he presides over deals with syndicated crimes, which demand considerable effort to ensure a fair trial.

He mentioned that the division handles cases of a highly complex nature, particularly in terms of presenting evidence during trials, as much of it is digitised.

“These are complex matters which involve mining data in order to adduced evidence in court,” Gidudu said.

He highlighted that the implementation of Legal Instrument Number 11, also known as the Anti-Corruption Case Management Rules, has significantly enhanced the court's ability to efficiently dispose of cases.

According to him, despite being established in 2008, the Anti-Corruption Court has not yet fully embrace the plea bargain tool. Justice Gidudu urged the public to consider embracing plea bargaining as an option.

A plea bargain is an agreement between the prosecution and the defendant where the defendants agree to plead guilty to the charges.

According to information from the Judiciary, the Anti-Corruption Court is uniquely positioned as the only court with fewer than 50 cases in terms of case backlog. A case is classified as backlog if it remains unresolved for more than two years without conclusion.

Cases Anti- Corruption Court handles

The Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court handles a wide range of cases, including but not limited to bribery, embezzlement, abuse of office, fraud, money laundering, asset recovery, economic crimes, causing financial loss, corruption, nepotism, and tax evasion.