The Minister of State for Internal Affairs, David Muhoozi, has urged Parliament’s Committee on Defense and Internal Affairs not to recommend withdrawing the Forensic and Scientific Analytical Services Bill, 2025.
Speaking at a harmonization meeting between two parliamentary committees, Minister Muhoozi warned that powerful forces, both within and outside government, are working to derail the bill to protect their institutional interests.
Despite internal resistance, including from agencies under his ministry, Muhoozi insisted that the bill is vital for enhancing Uganda’s capacity to combat crime effectively.
His remarks came in response to earlier submissions by Nyabushozi County MP Wilson Kajwengye and the Committee Chairperson, who suggested that the Ministry consider withdrawing the bill due to concerns over duplication and conflicts with existing laws.
If withdrawn, this would be the second time the bill is pulled back.
A key point of contention is the proposal for the Directorate of Government Analytical Laboratory (DGAL) to manage a national DNA database.
The Committee rejected this, noting that the Uganda Police already holds similar responsibilities, including collecting fingerprints from suspects in custody.
Members warned that removing this mandate from the Police could lead to institutional overlap and confusion.
Supporting the Committee’s position, Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo argued that these concerns are too fundamental to be resolved through piecemeal amendments, cautioning that trying to address them within the current bill could undermine existing laws.
By Francis Lubega
24th Sept 2025
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