The judiciary has introduced the court-video audio link technology that is intended to ease the taking of testimonies by the court from vulnerable witnesses especially children, the elderly and whistle blowers who would testify from far to address the issue of case back log and delays in courts.

Chief Justice of Uganda, Bart Katureebe.

While launching the system, Chief Justice (CJ), Bart Katureebe, said if well implemented, the system will make progress in protecting the rights of children.

He said children who are victims of sexual gender based violence shall appear in court using this system to avoid secondary victimization which they suffer when they physically appear in court in full view face-to-face with the alleged molester.

The innovation is one of the promises made by the CJ during this year’s opening of the new law year. Katureebe pledged to support the implementation of a robust information communication (ICT) technology to expedite court processes, deal with case backlog and ease court public access to the courts.

Director of pubic prosecution Mike Chibita congratulated the judiciary upon reaching the dynamic stage but advised them to have backup to avoid justice coming on halt when the link goes off like it did while testing it.

Principle Judge Yolokam  Bamwine urged the implementers to extend the system to the remand homes to ease access to it by the children and avoid showing the faces of the children to avoid intimidation by the accused.

Judiciary technical advisor and coordinator of the project, Andrew Khaukha explained how the 36bn system works without the witness appearing in court but gives him/ her testimony electronically.

With support from UNICEF the judiciary has installed closed cameras that are connected to TV monitors in the court in Kampala, Gulu, and Fort portal.

An official says similar facilities will soon be installed in the High Courts of Mbale Mbarara, Arua and Masindi.