The Ministry of Health, has cleared the Uganda Police Forensic Laboratory, at Naguru, Police Headquarters, to continue providing Forensic DNA testing services as per its mandate.
According to the police spokesman, Fred Enanga, the Laboratory has now been added to the database of gazetted and certified facilities for DNA testing relationship.
Enanga said the clearance of the DNA Lab, is a big and important step, in significantly enhancing the investigative capabilities of the police, and also play a pivotal role in crime solving, disaster victim identification, and counter terrorism efforts.
“By comparison, DNA is scientifically accurate and more difficult to dispute, than eyewitnesses accounts. It has further helped remove the major setbacks, in obtaining the much needed justice for victims in crime, by corroborating witness and survivor statements.”
He said the lab testing service has a laboratory, that is equipped with the state-of-the art technology and facilities to perform a broad range of forensic DNA testing services, for evidential material, in support of investigations by police.
The tests include; dead body identification, DNA paternity, maternity. Sibling and kinship testing in criminal investigations, immigration DNA testing, cell line authentication and DNA profile.
In addition, Enanga said the lab will also work with medical officers, from the health ministry who handle evidential material for DNA analysis, in ensuring that the identification, collection, packaging, storage and transportation of the evidential material, attains the acceptable international standards.
He remarked the lab is committed to providing high quality DNA testing services, that are accurate and reliable.
Enanga explained the extensive use of the technology will help in crime solving, disaster victim identification, and counter terrorism efforts.
“This shows our commitment to upholding justice, providing closure to victim’s families and ensuring National Security. As the Uganda Police Force, continues to harness DNA technology, it reinforces its position as a progressive and resilient institution, poised to combat crime and safeguard the nations well-being,” Enanga added.