Expanded forensic and scientific services Bill reintroduced in Parliament

________________

Parliament has received a revised and expanded version of the forensic science legislation, now titled the Forensic and Scientific Analytical Services Bill, 2025.

The Bill was tabled for first reading on July 29, 2025, by the State Minister for Internal Affairs, Gen. David Muhoozi. It replaces the earlier Forensic Evidence Bill, 2024, which was withdrawn in February after consultations revealed the need for substantial amendments that would significantly alter its original scope.

The new Bill introduces a comprehensive legal framework to regulate forensic and scientific analytical services in Uganda. Key among its proposals is the formal establishment of the Government Analytical Laboratory (GAL) as the national referral centre for forensic investigations and its designation as Uganda’s National Poison Information Centre.

The Bill also proposes the creation of an independent regulatory unit within the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Department of Inspection and Legal Services, tasked with overseeing forensic services across the country.

“This revised legislation aligns key areas of forensic science regulation, expands institutional responsibilities, and ensures proper oversight,” Muhoozi told Parliament, referring to the rationale behind withdrawing the earlier Bill.

While the original 2024 Bill focused primarily on DNA profiling and the handling of body samples in criminal investigations, including a proposed National DNA Database, the new version goes much further. It establishes a holistic system for regulating scientific evidence, laboratory standards, and data protection.

The proposed law mandates GAL to conduct forensic analysis not only in traditional areas such as DNA, toxicology, and questioned documents, but also in emerging fields like cybercrime, environmental analysis, and food and drug safety.

To improve accessibility, the Bill provides for the establishment of regional analytical laboratories across Uganda.

It outlines clear procedures for the collection, use, and secure storage of body samples such as blood, saliva, and hair. These samples must be obtained with informed consent or through a court order.

A forensic and scientific database will be created under the Bill, expanding beyond the DNA-only system proposed in 2024. This database will be governed by strict access protocols, with severe penalties for unauthorised access or data breaches.

The Department of Inspection and Legal Services will serve as the sector regulator, with powers to license, inspect, and sanction forensic laboratories. Inspectors will be empowered to enter premises, issue corrective directives, and temporarily close facilities that fail to meet compliance standards.

All forensic laboratories will be required to register and obtain annual licences. Operating without a licence could attract penalties of up to 500 currency points or three years' imprisonment.

The Government Analytical Laboratory’s role as the National Poison Information Centre will include coordinating responses to poisoning cases, conducting relevant analyses, and maintaining a national database of such incidents.

The Bill introduces penalties for a range of offences, including falsifying analysis results, obstructing inspectors, or disclosing confidential forensic data without authorisation.