The Judiciary is seeking to strengthen judicial officers’ understanding of forensic science and expand practical courtroom training as part of efforts to improve the handling of increasingly complex criminal cases.
The call was made by the Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, in remarks delivered on her behalf by Justice David Matovu, Head of the Criminal Division, during the closing ceremony of a two-day training on Criminal Trial Procedure for Judicial Officers from the Northern Region.
The training, organized by the Judicial Training Institute (JTI), was held at the Supreme Court Conference Hall in Kampala and brought together judicial officers, forensic experts and other justice sector stakeholders to examine key issues affecting criminal adjudication.
In her message, Lady Justice Abodo described the programme as timely and well-structured, noting that the participation of experts and practitioners reflected the Judiciary’s commitment to continuous professional development and excellence in the administration of justice.
She praised the quality of discussions and engagement throughout the training, saying the active participation of judicial officers demonstrated a shared commitment to strengthening the justice system.
“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 said.
A major focus of the Lady Justice Abodo’s remarks was the growing role of forensic science in criminal justice and the need for judicial officers to keep pace with evolving forms of crime.
She observed that modern criminal adjudication increasingly depends on the ability of courts to understand, assess and properly evaluate scientific evidence.
As criminal activity becomes more sophisticated, she noted, judicial approaches must evolve to ensure decisions remain fair, informed and evidence-based.
Citing statistics presented during the training, Lady Justice Abodo said more than 70 percent of cases whose outcomes depend on forensic evidence are successfully resolved, highlighting the significant contribution of forensic science to truth-finding and the administration of justice.
“Modern criminal adjudication increasingly requires judicial officers to understand and appreciate forensic evidence. As crime evolves, our capacity to evaluate scientific evidence must evolve as well,” she said.
To strengthen judicial competence in this area, Lady Justice Abodo proposed closer collaboration between the Judicial Training Institute, the Directorate of Forensic Services of the Uganda Police Force and other stakeholders to develop a dedicated and comprehensive forensic evidence training module for judicial officers.
She said such a programme would provide deeper understanding of forensic methodologies, investigative processes and emerging technologies, equipping judicial officers with the knowledge required to make better-informed decisions and enhance public confidence in the justice system.
Lady Justice Abodo also emphasized the importance of practical learning approaches, calling for the integration of moot court sessions into future training programmes.
While acknowledging the value of theoretical instruction, she said simulated courtroom exercises would allow participants to apply newly acquired knowledge in realistic settings, improve their confidence when handling forensic evidence and deepen their appreciation 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 said.
Lady Justice Abodo further commended facilitators for sharing their expertise and experience throughout the programme and thanked participants for their engagement, thoughtful contributions and commitment during the training.
She reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to continuous learning and professional development, describing capacity building as a critical component in efforts to improve service delivery and strengthen the administration of justice.