Principal judge wants enhanced judicial capacity building in forensic science

Underscoring  the importance of the training, Abodo remarked that as crime becomes more sophisticated, judicial approaches must evolve accordingly to ensure courts remain capable of delivering fair, informed and evidence-based decisions.

“I have had the opportunity to carefully follow the programme, the selection of the interactive sessions and the caliber of facilitators engaged for this training. From the very beginning, it has evident that a great deal of thought and planning went into its design,” Abodo said.

Modern criminal adjudication, she noted increasingly requires judicial officers to understand and appreciate forensic evidence.

“As crime evolves, our capacity to evaluate scientific evidence must evolve as well,” Abodo said.

The Principal Judge noted that the interactive nature of the sessions and the expertise shared by facilitators demonstrated the judiciary’s commitment to continuous professional development and excellence in the administration of justice.

“The quality of discussions, the practical insights shared and the active participation of the judicial officers are a testament to our collective commitment to strengthening the administration of justice,” she observed.

Andrew Mubiru, Director of Forensic Services, Uganda Police Force making a presentation during the criminal procedures training at Supreme Court conference hall. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Abodo commended the Judicial Training Institute (JTI), the training arm of the judiciary for its oversight in organising the training saying, it was not only timely but also well-structured bringing together judicial officers, forensic experts from the police and other justice sector stakeholders to examine critical issues affecting criminal adjudication in the country.

To further strengthen judicial competence in forensic science, Abodo proposed closer collaboration between the judiciary and the police’s directorate of forensic services and other key stakeholders to develop a dedicated and comprehensive forensic evidence training module for judicial officers.

According to Abodo, such a programme would equip judicial officers with a deeper understanding of forensic methodologies, investigative processes and emerging technologies, thereby improving the quality of judicial decision-making and enhancing public confidence in the administration of justice.

Abodo advocated for the incorporation of practical moot court sessions into future training programmes to enable participants to apply acquired knowledge in realistic settings, strengthen their confidence in handling forensic evidence and enhance their understanding of its evidential value in criminal proceedings.

“Practical learning opportunities such as moot court sessions can bridge the gap between theory and practice, enabling judicial officers to develop the skills required to effectively manage forensic evidence in court,” she noted.

Abodo further commended the facilitators for sharing their expertise and experience and thanked participants for their active engagement, thoughtful contributions and commitment throughout the training.

“As we depart, let us carry forward the lessons learned, continue engaging with emerging in development in forensic science and remain committed to ensure that our courts are equipped to evaluate forensic evidence effectively and fairly in the purist of justice,” Abodo told the participating judicial officers.  

Superintendent of Police Jonathan Kalungi took the judicial officers through firearms and tool marks identification process while Assistant Superintendent of Police Amos Wazodi made a practical demonstration to the judicial officers on the role of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in human identification and its application in criminal investigations and prosecutions.

Superintendent of Police Dr Jaffer Kisitu took the judicial officers through the identification of unknown chemical substances while Senior Superintendent of Police Erisa Ssebuwufu made a presentation to the judicial officers on examination of forgery and counterfeiting.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Erick Mugabi made a presentation to the judicial officers on computer forensics and electronic evidence, and how information and data are extracted from the electronic gadgets such as phones.

Relatedly,  while closing a training on human rights for judicial officers from central region, Supreme Court justice Mike Chibita and the chairperson of the judicial training institute governing council appealed to the participating judicial officers to adopt a human rights-based approach to justice.

“A human rights-based approach is reflected not only in the decisions we make but also in how we conduct ourselves as judicial officers,” Chibita said.

He noted that a human rights-based approach to justice is demonstrated through courtesy to court users, integrity in discharge of duties, timely delivery of judgments and rulings, and willingness to simply court process for the court users and explain proceedings in the languages the court users can comprehend.

Chibita remarked that administration of justice of not merely a legal function but it is a public trust.

“Therefore, every interaction we have with the court users should reinforce public confidence in the judiciary,” Chibita said.

Chibita told the judicial officers that a human rights-based approach rests on four pillars. These include equality and non-discrimination, participation and empowerment, accountability and transparency and recognition of all rights as indivisible and interdependent.

High Court judge Prof. Andrew Khaukha, also the executive director of the judicial training institute, underscored the importance of the training, saying they are crucial to maintaining a competent, ethical and independent judiciary.

He said they ensure legal consistency, safeguard human rights, and help judicial officers adapt to rapidly evolving social contexts, new technologies, and international legal frameworks.