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 capacity.
Addressing Judicial Officers and staff, Lady Justice Abodo said her visit was intended to hear firsthand the Division's concerns and identify practical ways of enhancing effectiveness. She commended the ICD’s professionalism and dedication, citing its handling of the landmark Kwoyelo case 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, commending the Division for advancing Uganda's commitment to international justice.
The Principal Judge underscored the need for stronger institutional communication, urging the ICD to actively engage the Judiciary's communication and public relations structures to ensure accurate, proactive messaging, particularly amid fast-moving social media discourse. She also emphasized continuous and inclusive capacity building through the Judiciary Training Institute, calling for programmes that extend beyond judicial officers to include clerical staff, police, prisons officers, and other stakeholders.
On judicial wellness, Lady Justice Abodo highlighted the risk of secondary trauma for officers handling grave international crimes. She encouraged conscious caseload management, peer support, structured debriefing, and time for rest and family life, while inviting officers to participate in Judiciary wellness initiatives, including aerobics sessions at the Supreme Court gym.
Looking ahead, she challenged the Division to cultivate a distinctive 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.
The Head of the Division, Justice Dr Andrew K. Bashaija, congratulated her 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 Rome Statute and the International Criminal Court Act, 2010.
Justice Bashaija explained that while the Division's caseload may appear numerically modest, the judicial intensity per file is significantly higher due to multiple accused persons, protected witnesses, extensive digital evidence, and the application of both domestic and international law. He outlined proposed amendments to the ICD Rules (2016) to enhance efficiency, including greater discretion in pre-trial hearings for simpler matters, formalizing the Victims and Witness Support Unit, and updating digital evidence protocols.
He also highlighted structural needs such as secure courtrooms, dedicated research clerks and digital evidence specialists, continuous judicial education, and predictable funding for security-intensive proceedings, adding that the Division's long-term vision is to become a regional centre of excellence in international criminal justice.
On behalf of staff, HW Nabaasa Julian Tumwijukye thanked the Principal Judge for honouring their invitation, while the session moderator, the Deputy Registrar, HW Juliet Harty Hatanga, said the visit demonstrated leadership's commitment to engaging officers at all levels. She noted that the encouragement had renewed confidence among staff operating in a complex environment.
The visit concluded with a guided tour of the Division led by HW Hatanga.
Luncheon Tribute
Later, the ICD hosted the Principal Judge to a surprise luncheon at Restaurant Aldea in appreciation of her visit and continued support. The team presented congratulatory and appreciation gifts, and also honoured the Registrar of the High Court, represented by HW Joan Aciro, Private Legal Secretary to the Principal Judge, for steadfast support to the Division.
Commending the ICD's growing reputation, Lady Justice Abodo told staff: "ICD, you are truly international. Walk this journey with me, so that together we can showcase the important work you are doing. I am in this journey with you."
Justice Bashaija thanked the Principal Judge for the encouragement and reaffirmed the Division's commitment to excellence.
Posted 13th, February 2026
