DNA Testing now in Uganda

The Government analytical laboratory has commissioned a forensic DNA analyzer which will be used in human identity testing.

The commissioner of the government analytical laboratory, Ally Luguda, says the machine was procured with funding from the Justice, Law and Order Sector (JLOS).

Luguda says that the DNA analyzer will revolutionize Forensic science and improve the ability of law enforcement officers to match perpetrators with crime scenes. DNA typing remains the most useful investigative tool to law enforcement since the development of fingerprinting 100 years ago.

The machine was commissioned together with a new Gas Chromatography and Mass spectrososcopy, which are used in investigations of food poisoning in, suspected murder cases.

DNA testing will be open to the public at a cost of 144,000 shillings. Luguda says the cost is relatively high because of the high costs involved in servicing the DNA analyzer. Officially commissioning the DNA Analyzer, the vice president Prof, Gilbert Bukenya, said that the government laboratory could open up for commercial services targeting exporters who need to standardize their produce for the European market.