Magistrates trained in using audio-visual link

With the ever evolving science and technology trends court, Ugandan courts of judicature have upgraded to video conferencing and audio- visual links in a bid to protect witnesses.

On Friday, a total of 49 magistrates were trained on how to conduct trials using the technology, where a witness can testify without physically being in the court room.

Addressing magistrates at High Court in Kampala, Justice Wilson Musene-Masalu said the use of video link technology is the quick and faster way of handling cases through witnesses who are not present in court, especially in sexual or violent cases.  

"In incidents of defilement, the child is placed in another room to avoid physical contact with the offender in a bid to prevent secondary victimization," he explained.

The technology was launched in Uganda in August this year and since then cameras and TV monitors have been installed in court rooms across the country.

According to the Judicature Audio-Visual Rules No. 26 of 2016, a person can give evidence using this technology when the proceedings relate to sexual or violent offences, security reasons, safety of a witness, and when a witness lives outside Uganda.

The new technology also involves instant recording of proceedings that are easily transcribed and archived.

He said video conferencing reduces the need for vulnerable victims, witnesses residing overseas or interstate and some prisoners to physically attend courts for hearings. It also has the potential to reduce delays to court proceedings.

According to Solomon Muyita, the Judiciary's senior communications officer, the training majorly involves audio-visual links especially for the vulnerable witnesses including children.

These will take use of the cameras and TV screens installed in the court rooms.

Although the digitalized trials do not involve the physical involvement of the witness, the magistrates were assured that their work will be made easier.