As technology rapidly evolves, key questions arise regarding whether local courts can effectively handle cases involving cutting-edge technologies like cryptocurrency, online forex trading, or deep-fake evidence created using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

In the past few years, the government has made a number of efforts to make sure that the judicial system remains relevant in the face of changing technologies.

Here for instance, the ministry of justice has established laws and policies governing emerging technologies.

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Such legislations include the national Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy which was introduced last year, as well as regulations for online forex trading which were launched this year.

With all that in place, to what extent have local judges, judicial officials, and lawyers been equipped with knowledge on new technologies to make them ready to handle related cases effectively?

In an interview with The New Times, Harrison Mutabazi, the judicial spokesperson said training to make Judicial officers "tech savvy” have been done, but even on a more basic note, all judicial officers have been equipped with computers to ease their work.

For example, he pointed out that judges are equipped with ample knowledge that can help them navigate a case that involves cryptocurrency and are knowledgeable in regards to terminologies that are used in crimes as they are also highlighted in various laws.

"However, if there is some special technicality that is out of the legal scope, then an expert can be brought as stipulated by the evidence law,” he said.

He further noted that the training is continuous, some being in house while most are conducted by the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD).

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Innocent Muramira, a Kigali-based lawyer, pointed out that lawyers need specialised training regarding top technological crimes.

"I think we need special training – courses on emerging practices related to the use of AI and other high technologies. I know some lawyers in the region who have specialised in crypto currency litigation and matters of online forex trading, and they are earning a lot from their knowledge and exposure,” he said.

Talking about the use of fabricated evidence made by deep-fake, a type of AI used to create fake but convincing images, audio and video hoaxes, Muramira told The New Times that the authenticity of such content can be ascertained if tech experts come to conclusion after examining such videos.

"Where there is debate, three or more experts should be contacted,” he noted.

"We still need such training because the technology in place is changing the way contracts are done, how crimes are committed, and several other aspects,” he added.

Meanwhile, regarding cybercrime in general, this year’s Global Cybersecurity Index report, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) ranked Rwanda in the first tier in Global Cybersecurity, with the country scoring 95-100 per cent.

Rwanda was grouped with 45 other countries, a category reserved for "Role Model” nations that demonstrate the ideals of all five cybersecurity pillars, according to ITU.

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"The Global Cybersecurity Index is a trusted benchmark that measures the commitment of countries to cybersecurity at a global level,” ITU said in a statement on Thursday, on September 12.

Eraste Rurangwa, the Data Protection Officer at the National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA), said that while the development "reflects the government’s commitment to building a secure cyberspace, there is a need to remain vigilant, cognisant of the complex and evolving nature of today cyber threats."

"All must stay vigilant in the face of increasingly sophisticated challenges, particularly in the age of threats powered by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence," he noted.