Latest news with #DavidMuhoozi
Zawya
30-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Uganda: Forensic Bill re-introduced with expanded scope
Parliament has received a fresh and expanded version of the forensic science legislation now titled the Forensic and Scientific Analytical Services Bill, 2025. The Bill tabled for First Reading on Tuesday, 29 July 2025 by the State Minister of Internal Affairs, Gen. David Muhoozi replaces the earlier Forensic Evidence Bill, 2024 which was formally withdrawn in February after consultations revealed the need for significant changes that would alter its original intent. The new bill introduces a far-reaching legal framework aimed at regulating forensic and scientific analytical services in Uganda. It proposes the formal establishment of the Government Analytical Laboratory (GAL) as the national referral centre for forensic and scientific investigations and designates it as the country's National Poison Information Centre. The Bill also introduces an independent regulatory arm within the Ministry of Internal Affairs known as the Department of Inspection and Legal Services to oversee forensic services nationwide. 'This revised legislation aligns key areas of forensic science regulation, expands institutional responsibilities and ensures proper oversight,' Muhoozi told the House earlier this year while explaining the withdrawal of the previous version. The original Bill introduced in November 2024 focused primarily on regulating DNA profiling and the handling of body samples for use in criminal investigations. It also proposed the establishment of a National DNA Database to be managed by the Directorate of the Government Analytical Laboratory. However, the revised Bill goes beyond this limited scope to create a comprehensive system for regulating scientific evidence, laboratory practices, and data protection. Under the new proposal, the Government Analytical Laboratory is not only mandated to carry out forensic analysis in traditional areas such as DNA, toxicology and questioned documents, but is also expected to operate in emerging fields including cybercrime, environmental samples, and food and drug safety. The Bill allows for the establishment of regional analytical laboratories to decentralise services and improve access across the country. The Bill sets out procedures for the collection, use and secure storage of body samples such as blood, saliva and hair, which must be obtained with informed consent or through a court order. It establishes a forensic and scientific database that encompasses a broader range of information than the DNA only system proposed in 2024. The database will be governed by strict access controls and any unauthorised use or disclosure will attract serious penalties. The Department of Inspection and Legal Services will serve as the new regulatory body with powers to licence, inspect and sanction forensic laboratories. Inspectors will be able to enter premises, issue correction directives and even order temporary closure of non-compliant facilities. Laboratories must register and obtain annual licenses, and those operating without one face fines of up to 500 currency points or imprisonment of up to three years. The Government Analytical Laboratory will also take on a new role as the National Poison Information Centre tasked with coordinating poisoning incidents, conducting related analyses and maintaining a national database of poisoning cases. The Bill also introduces penalties for offences ranging from falsifying analysis results to obstructing inspectors or disclosing confidential forensic data without authorisation. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
Zawya
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Renewal of National Identification Cards (IDs) to Start Soon - Gen. David Muhoozi
The mass renewal of national identification cards is expected to start in May 2025, the Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Gen. David Muhoozi has revealed. Gen. Muhoozi said this as he responded to the report of the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs on the ministerial policy statement and budget estimates for 2025/2026 financial year. The report was presented by Committee Chairperson, Hon. Wilson Kajwengye on Wednesday, 09 April 2025. 'The plan is to pilot on government employees starting with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the National Identification Registration Authority (NIRA),' said Muhoozi. He said that the equipment and software have all been tested and are ready for use adding that he will provide a comprehensive report on the renewal and registration for national IDs. The minister's update followed concerns by Hon. Milton Muwuma, (NRM, Kigulu County South) who called for renewal of the IDs as the country prepares for general elections in 2026. 'We will be going for nominations soon but some of us have expired IDs and this alone can disqualify someone,' Muwuma said. Hon. Isaias Ssasaga (FDC, Budadiri County East) inquired about the fate of primary and secondary school learners who were registered for IDs and are due for issuance but have not yet received them. 'Are the children going to be part of the new registration process or will they be issued old IDs,' he asked. Muhoozi said that such learners will have the option of either choosing to be issued old IDs or the new ones which have enhanced features. According to the committee's report, government requires Shs145 billion to procure blank IDs to enroll over six million Ugandans and renew over five million national IDs but only Shs24.5 billion has been allocated in the next financial year. 'The committee recommends a provision of Shs120.7 billion in the 2025/2026 budget to enable NIRA complete the enrollment exercise before the 2026 general elections,' Kajwengye said. The committee also recommended that Shs587 billion be provided for the nationwide rollout of the sub county policing model. The Uganda Police Force tested the model in Greater Masaka in the 2023/24 financial year. Over Shs5 billion has been allocated for constructing 30 model police stations and completing 11 in the Greater Masaka area, procurement of 333 motorcycles and communication equipment. The committee report however, noted that there is a funding gap of Shs587 billion. Luwero District Woman Member of Parliament , Hon. Brenda Nabukenya welcomed the proposal to roll out the sub county policing model and called for its prioritisation. 'I want to support the area where they are going to procure two motorcycles for each sub county police station. Fuel for the motorcycles should also be prioritized. Usually, we limit them because we do not provide money for fuel,' she said. Hon. Emely Kugonza (NRM, Buyanja East County) said that whereas the sub county policing model is innovative, it is not well planned noting that there are no police posts and accommodation for officers. 'I am appealing to government to do thorough planning; we need the police officers spread across but they need to be catered for otherwise, they will turn into a menance,' Kugonza said. The legislators also called for provision of sufficient transport means to the existing police stations saying that the work of the officers is hindered by lack of transport. Hon. Frank Kabuye (NUP, Kassanda County South) highlighted the plight of the officers citing that Kassanda has only one vehicle for emergency responses. 'It is high time we prioritise giving means of transport but also ensure that there are funds for maintenance of the vehicles and motorcycles,' he said. Minister Muhoozi said that government plans to introduce electric motorcycles to address the challenge of inadequate fuel. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
Zawya
13-02-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Uganda: Government withdraws Forensic Evidence Bill
The Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Gen. David Muhoozi, has withdrawn the Forensic Evidence Bill, 2024, which sought to regulate and streamline forensic science services in crime investigation and prosecution. The Bill was first introduced to Parliament on 26 November 2024. Justifying the motion to withdraw the proposed law during the parliamentary sitting on Wednesday, 12 February 2025, Muhoozi said that discussions with the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs that was considering the Bill revealed that significant changes were needed, which would alter its intent. 'We found that there are things that need to be aligned within the Bill itself but also which if done, will substantially change it. The only recourse was that it be withdrawn and then brought back for reconsideration,' Muhoozi said. The proposed legislation sought to modernise forensic science services and regulate forensic practices. A key provision was the establishment of a National DNA Database, described as 'an electronic depository for human DNA profiles containing forensic DNA analysis results,' to be managed by the Directorate of Government Analytical Laboratory. The Bill addressed DNA profiling services, collection of bodily samples, laboratory analytical reports, access to DNA profiles, retention and disposal of forensic DNA profiles, and non-disclosure of information. It proposed removing profiles of suspects within three years if no charges were brought or if they were acquitted. Volunteer DNA profiles would only be retained with explicit donor consent. Additionally, it proposed designating the Government Analytical Laboratory as the regulatory body for forensic services and establishing regional laboratories to decentralise services and improve access nationwide. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
