(L-R): Hon. Justice Serunkuma (Resident Judge, Arua High Court), HW Emokor (Registrar High Court) and HW Obong George(Chief Magistrate, Arua)
The Judiciary with support from the UNICEF installed and launched an audio visual system to enable handling juvenile cases in Arua High Court Circuit.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Registrar at the launch of the system at Arua High Court on Thursday June 23, 2022, the Registrar High Court, HW Samuel Emokor said when children attend court to testify, it can be victimizing and traumatizing when they are facing the accused person.
He said many times children feel more stressed and fear to freely testify in the presence of those who abused them, making it difficult to get information. According to HW Emokor, the audio visual video conferencing justice system will help juveniles freely express themselves and testify.
The system was tested at Arua Chief Magistrates Court in a defilement case where a girl of 16 years was defiled and impregnated by Vincent Ayoku a resident of Bunyu in Oluko Ayivu Division Arua City.
Ayoku is accused of defiling the Senior Two student and impregnating her forcing her to drop out of school. The girl was allegedly first defiled in September 2021 and the second defilement took place in December 2021 where the girl got pregnant and is currently six months along.
The girl managed to freely testify through the video conference equipment before the Chief Magistrate during the case hearing while the suspect was at the main court hall.
HW Emokor said oftentimes young people face challenges in answering questions in criminal cases proceeding in court. However, with the new system, children will freely testify which will make it easier and flexible.
And as a result, this will reduce tendencies of suspects intimidating victims in court.
The Arua Residents Judge, Hon. Justice Isah Serunkuma, said the System in place will help the Court dispose of cases quickly and reduce backlog. Hon. Justice Serunkuma commended UNICEF for the support to ease access to justice to juvenile victims and offenders.
Out of the 14 operational High Court circuits, six have been boosted with the audio visual link systems with the support from UNICEF, in addition to the Criminal and Family Divisions of the High Court.
Mr Jacob Opiyo, the UNICEF Emergency Specialist said they are committed to promoting juvenile justice and ensure they operate in the best interest of the child. Noting the need to strengthen the child protection system in Uganda.
He said the need to protect children in the justice system is key in controlling future traumatic memories of a child.
Mr Opiyo commended Arua High Court Judge for handling children cases in a child friendly manner. This, he said, will go a long way in addressing issues of further trauma for children, he stated.
Systems Administrator ,Mr Frank Byamukama, explained how the system operates and also moderated the event.
Posted 23rd, June 2022
