Kampala– The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, today paid a courtesy visit to the International Crimes Division (ICD) of the High Court at Lourdel Road, Nakasero, describing the engagement as a “listening tour” aimed at strengthening the Division’s working environment and operational capacity.
Addressing judicial officers and staff, Lady Justice Abodo said the purpose of her visit was to hear firsthand the Division’s concerns and identify practical interventions to enhance its effectiveness. She commended the ICD for its professionalism and dedication, particularly its handling of the landmark case of Thomas Kwoyelo, which she described as a milestone that elevated Uganda’s standing in international criminal justice.
“This is a unique court. The work you do may appear quiet, but it has a far-reaching ripple effect. You are our passport internationally,” she said, applauding the Division for advancing Uganda’s commitment to global justice standards.
Call for Stronger Communication and Capacity Building
The Principal Judge underscored the need for stronger institutional communication, urging the ICD to work closely with the Judiciary’s communication and public relations teams to ensure accurate and proactive messaging, especially in the era of fast-moving social media discourse.
She also emphasized inclusive capacity building through the Judiciary Training Institute, advocating for programmes that extend beyond judicial officers to include clerical staff, police, prisons officers, and other justice sector stakeholders.
On judicial wellness, Lady Justice Abodo highlighted the risk of secondary trauma among officers handling grave international crimes. She encouraged conscious caseload management, peer support, structured debriefing sessions, and a healthy work-life balance. She further invited officers to participate in Judiciary wellness initiatives, including aerobics sessions at the Supreme Court gym.
Looking ahead, she challenged the Division to cultivate a distinct identity as a centre of excellence — not only adjudicating complex international crimes but also serving as a learning hub for trauma-informed proceedings, specialization, team-based adjudication, and realistic witness scheduling.
“My commitment is to support capacity building for this docket and strengthen it to meet global best practices,” she affirmed.
ICD Seeks Structural and Legal Reforms
The Head of the Division, Justice Dr Andrew K. Bashaija, congratulated Lady Justice Abodo on her appointment and thanked her for visiting early in her tenure.
He described the ICD as a highly specialized court operating at the intersection of justice, human rights, and national security, mandated to try genocide, war crimes, terrorism, human trafficking, piracy, and related offences under the International Criminal Court framework and Uganda’s International Criminal Court Act.
Justice Bashaija noted that although the Division’s caseload may appear numerically modest, the judicial intensity per file is significantly higher due to multiple accused persons, protected witnesses, voluminous digital evidence, and the application of both domestic and international law.
He revealed that proposed amendments to the ICD Rules (2016) are underway to enhance efficiency. These include granting greater discretion in pre-trial hearings for simpler matters, formalizing the Victims and Witness Support Unit, and updating digital evidence management protocols.
He further highlighted structural needs such as secure courtrooms, dedicated research clerks and digital evidence specialists, continuous judicial education, and predictable funding for security-intensive proceedings. The Division’s long-term vision, he added, is to become a regional centre of excellence in international criminal justice.
Staff Applaud Engagement
On behalf of staff, Her Worship Nabaasa Julian Tumwijukye thanked the Principal Judge for honouring their invitation, while the session moderator and Deputy Registrar, Her Worship Juliet Harty Hatanga, said the visit demonstrated leadership’s commitment to engaging officers at all levels.
She noted that the engagement had renewed confidence among staff working within the complex and sensitive docket.
The visit concluded with a guided tour of the Division led by Her Worship Hatanga.
