Attorney General Opposes Tight Rules for Forensic Labs in New Bill

The government is pushing back against calls for stricter controls in the proposed Forensic and Scientific Analytical Services Bill, 2025. During a session with Parliament’s Defence and Internal Affairs Committee on March 19, 2026, Minister of Internal Affairs Gen. David Muhoozi shared advice from Attorney General Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka.

The bill allows private labs to perform forensic analyses under a licensing system managed by the Ministry, rather than restricting it to state facilities. This follows the withdrawal of the previous Forensic Evidence Bill, 2024, due to needed revisions.

Concerns from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions highlight risks to evidence chain of custody if private entities get involved. However, Muhoozi pointed out that many private labs already operate without oversight, and the new framework mandates their independence from external control.

MPs like Hon. Peter Okeyoh from Bukooli Island County argued that limiting services to government labs could violate fair trial rights, as defendants might need independent confirmatory tests. The Solicitor General agreed, noting courts value second opinions.

On regulatory overlaps, the Attorney General limited the Department of Inspection and Legal Services’ role to licensing, not directing investigations, which stay with police and ODPP. International accreditation was deemed voluntary, with best practices to be adopted gradually.

The bill positions the Government Analytical Laboratory (GAL) as the national referral center and National Poison Information and Control Centre for coordination. A new forensic database will supplement, not duplicate, existing systems like biometrics.

Source: Parliament of Uganda