The Ministry of Health has approved the Uganda Police Forensic Laboratory, in Naguru, Police Headquarters to provide DNA testing services.
The Uganda Police Forensic Laboratory is among two main laboratories including Government Analytical Laboratory (GAL) and MBN Clinical Laboratories certified and accredited to carry out DNA testing
According to the police spokesperson Fred Enanga, the clearance of the Forensic DNA Lab will ensure more thorough investigations.
“This is a big and important step, in significantly enhancing the investigative capabilities of the police, and also plays 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 eyewitness 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 stated
He further stated that the Forensic Laboratory, will also work with Medical Officers, from the Ministry of Health, 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.
Recently, the Uganda Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga warned families to seek services from certified facilities with trained genetic counselors as compared to using home DNA kits. He explained that the home testing may not be as accurate and the families could need counseling.
” They should identify DNA testing centers that are certified, because they have trained genetic counselors. Some of the home DNA kits can be subject to contamination and can lead to inaccurate test results. It’s important therefore, to have DNA testing performed at a reputable testing facility that is certified. They have strict standards for testing and accuracy.” Enanga said at police media briefing early this month