Principal Judge Closes two-day training on Criminal Trial Procedure

Kampala– The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, has called for enhanced forensic science training and greater use of practical learning approaches to strengthen judicial capacity in handling increasingly complex criminal cases.

This was contained in her remarks which were delivered 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.
In her message, Lady Justice Abodo commended the Judicial Training Institute for organizing a timely and well-structured programme that brought together judicial officers, forensic experts and other justice sector stakeholders to examine critical issues affecting criminal adjudication.
She 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.
A central theme of her remarks was the growing importance of forensic science in modern criminal justice systems. Lady Justice Abodo noted that as criminal activity becomes more sophisticated, judicial approaches must evolve accordingly to ensure courts remain capable of delivering fair, informed and evidence-based decisions.
Referring to statistics presented during the training, she highlighted that more than 70 percent of cases whose outcomes depend on
forensic evidence are successfully resolved, underscoring the critical role forensic science plays in establishing the truth and advancing the cause 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.
The Principal Judge observed that the training had provided valuable insight into both the opportunities and challenges that arise when handling forensic evidence. To further strengthen judicial competence in this area, she proposed closer collaboration between the Judicial Training Institute, the Directorate of Forensic Services of the Uganda Police Force and other key stakeholders to develop a dedicated and comprehensive forensic evidence training module for judicial officers.
According to Lady Justice 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.
She also advocated for the incorporation of practical moot court sessions into future training programmes. While acknowledging the value of theoretical instruction, she emphasized that simulated courtroom exercises would 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.
Lady Justice 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.
She reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to continuous learning and professional development, describing capacity building as essential to improving service.