Politics 26 February 2026 Howwe Entertainment
Government Lab Officials Press MPs to Speed Up Forensics Bill Approval
Directorate of Government Analytical Laboratory (DGAL) representatives urged Parliament's Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs to quickly advance the Forensic and Scientific Analytical Service Bill, 2025. The bill aims to enable forensic databases for precise crime scene identification and streamlined prosecutions. Source: https://www.howwe.ug/news/national/42543/govt-analytical-lab-urges-mps-to-fast-track-forensics-bill
Officials from the Directorate of Government Analytical Laboratory (DGAL) appeared before the Public Accounts Committee on February 25, 2026, chaired by Hon. Gorreth Namugga. They pushed for swift passage of the Forensic and Scientific Analytical Service Bill, 2025, amid discussions on Auditor General findings for FY 2024/2025.
Commissioner Tarsisius Byamugisha explained that the legislation would legalize forensic data as evidence nationwide. He highlighted how police often arrest numerous suspects due to lack of precise identification from crime scenes. With a database, exhibits could be tested to pinpoint actual perpetrators, reducing arrests from dozens to specifics.
DGAL has built internal databases for DNA and ballistics to ensure quality control in investigations.
MP Joseph Ssewungu (NUP, Kalungu West) stressed the need for oversight of private forensic services, citing issues like family DNA disputes and evidence handling in cases such as a nun’s burial.
Hon. Hope Nakazibwe (NUP, Mubende Woman Rep) inquired about progress on the national database, funded by Shs178.66 billion. Chief Chemist Kepher Kuchana Kateu reported a recent study on allele frequencies across Uganda’s regions, creating genetic profiles to replace foreign databases.
The lab has also developed databases for toxicology, poisons, and pesticide residues to aid crime resolution.
Source: Howwe Entertainment