Kitgum High Court Conducts First Virtual Criminal Hearing Using Audio-Visual Technology
The High Court in Kitgum has successfully conducted a virtual criminal hearing using its newly installed Audio-Visual Conferencing (AVC) system, marking another milestone in the Judiciary’s digital transformation agenda aimed at improving access to justice and enhancing court efficiency.
The technology was deployed during an ongoing criminal session today in the murder case of Uganda v. Omoya David and Four Others. One of the five accused persons took plea virtually from Kitgum Main Prison, while the remaining four appeared physically before the High Court. Following the taking of plea, the prosecution commenced its case.
The virtual hearing followed developments during yesterday’s proceedings when prison authorities informed the court that one of the accused persons was unable to attend because he had been placed in isolation after being diagnosed with tuberculosis, a contagious disease.
The information, which had earlier been communicated to the Court by the Officer-in-Charge of Kitgum Main Prison, SP Robert Oguttu, prompted the Resident Judge, Justice Philip W. Mwaka, to adjourn the matter for one day and direct that the isolated accused person participate in the proceedings through the Court’s audio-visual conferencing system while the co-accused appeared in person.
The successful hearing demonstrates the practical benefits of the Judiciary’s ongoing investment in digital court technologies and fulfils a commitment made during the Kitgum High Court Open Day held on May 7, 2026, when the Audio-Visual Conferencing system was officially launched under the theme, “Digital Courts for Better Service Delivery.”
Speaking at that event, Justice Philip W. Mwaka, who represented the Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, reiterated the Judiciary’s commitment to embracing technology to modernise court operations and improve service delivery.
He noted that the Audio-Visual Conferencing system would enable courts to hear matters in real time while reducing the logistical challenges associated with transporting inmates to court, thereby enhancing efficiency, accelerating case disposal and improving access to justice.
The virtual hearing also demonstrated how technology can ensure continuity of court proceedings even where health or security concerns prevent physical attendance, while safeguarding the rights of accused persons to participate in their trials.
The prosecution was led by Senior Resident State Attorney Patrick Ojara, while the accused persons were represented on State Brief by Sharon Awili of the Uganda Law Society Legal Aid Clinic, Kitgum
Posted 1st, July 2026
