Participants at the Criminal Trial Procedure Training
The Judicial Training Institute(JTI), in partnership with the Uganda Police Force, today commenced a two-day training on Criminal Trial Procedure for Judicial Officers and stakeholders in the criminal justice system under Central Region Cluster One.
The training is part of JTI's continuous professional development programme aimed at enhancing competence incase management and integrating forensic science in adjudication. The ultimate goal is to improve efficiency, accuracy, and fairness in the conduct of criminal proceedings.
Participants were drawn from the Criminal Division, the Anti-Corruption Division, and the High Court Circuits of Wakiso, Entebbe, and Mpigi, as well as magisterial areas including Kira, Kasangati, Nabweru, Nsangi, Kajjansi, Nakawa, Gomba, Kawempe, Butambala, Nansana, Luzira, Matugga, Makindye, Bujuuko, Kiboga, Masaka, Mityana, Mukono,Luweero, Kanoni, Mengo, Buwama, Buganda Road, and the Law Development Centre(LDC). They included Judges, Registrars, Chief Magistrates, Magistrates Grade One, State Attorneys, and State Brief Counsel attached to the Criminal Division.
The programme opened with a session on An Overview of the Criminal Trial Process - Common Hotspot Areas in the High Court and Magistrates Courts, facilitated by Deputy Justice Emeritus Richard Buteera, Rtd Justice David Wangutusi, and HW Dr. Nakibuule Gladys Kisekka, Deputy Registrar, JTI. Subsequent sessions focused on the application of forensic evidence in criminal trials. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)Umar Mutuya delivered a presentation on the introduction to forensic evidence, which was followed by a plenary discussion encouraging collaboration between judicial officers and investigators. Inspector of Police (IP) Robert Icoot then led a session on recovery of forensic evidence from crime scenes, accompanied by a live demonstration and exhibition of forensic tools that emphasized the importance of maintaining the chain of custody.
In the afternoon, SSP Jonathan Kalungi presented on the use of fingerprints in identifying suspects and linking them to crime scenes. This was followed by a session on examination of forgery and counterfeiting by SSP Sylvia Chelangat, who explained the processes and tools used in detecting document fraud. The day concluded with a presentation on firearms and tool marks identification by Superintendent of Police (SP)Derrick Nasawali, who provided insights into the probative value of ballistic evidence in criminal investigations.
The highly interactive sessions allowed participants to engage in discussions that promoted cross-sectoral learning and collaboration between Judicial Officers, prosecutors, and police investigators. The training reaffirmed JTI's commitment to building institutional capacity and equipping justice actors with the practical tools required to deliver credible, efficient, and professional adjudication of criminal cases.
Posted 30th, October 2025
