Principal Judge Meets GAL Team, Calls for Stronger Collaboration On Forensic Evidence
The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, earlier today met a team from the Government Analytical Laboratory (GAL) to discuss ways of strengthening collaboration and improving the use of forensic and scientific evidence in the administration of justice.
The GAL team was led by the Chief Government Chemist, Mr Kepher Kuchana Kateu.
Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the Judiciary and GAL, particularly in the collection, preservation, analysis, presentation and utilisation of forensic evidence within Uganda’s justice system.
Lady Justice Abodo commended GAL for the significant work it undertakes in supporting the administration of justice and acknowledged the critical role scientific evidence plays in investigations and court proceedings.
She noted concerns regarding Police Form 17A (PF 17A) and the need to review and update it to make it responsive to the changing nature of crime as science and technology continue to evolve.
The Principal Judge called for open and continuous communication between the Judiciary and GAL to ensure timely and efficient support in cases requiring forensic and scientific expertise.
She also acknowledged concerns arising from court processes, including frequent adjournments and summons issued to expert witnesses at short notice, which can affect GAL’s operations. She pledged to engage the relevant Judiciary structures to address the challenges.
Lady Justice Abodo further indicated that the Judiciary would consider capacity-building initiatives involving Judicial Officers, prosecutors and other actors across the justice chain to strengthen their understanding and effective utilisation of forensic evidence.
Mr Kateu thanked the Principal Judge for convening the engagement, which he described as the first of its kind, and congratulated her on her appointment as Principal Judge.
He highlighted several challenges affecting GAL’s work, including the submission of inappropriate or inadequate exhibit materials, poor transportation and storage of exhibits, and improper management of crime scenes. He noted that these challenges can compromise the quality of evidence available for scientific analysis and, ultimately, its usefulness in court proceedings.
Mr Kateu also raised concerns about court attendance by expert witnesses, frequent adjournments and summons issued at short notice. He further highlighted the need to strengthen the protection of expert witnesses, particularly in high-profile and sensitive cases involving offences such as terrorism and narcotics.
He revealed that GAL receives approximately 400 new cases every week, with an average of five exhibits per case, placing considerable demands on the institution’s human, technical and financial resources.
Mr Kateu therefore called for stronger communication and coordination among the Judiciary, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Criminal Investigations Directorate and Uganda Police Force to improve the handling of forensic evidence throughout the justice chain.
He also advocated for institutional capacity building through specialised training, enhancement of the skills of GAL experts and the Directorate’s participation in relevant Judiciary technical reviews.
The meeting underscored the interdependence between the courts and forensic experts and the need for improved coordination at every stage—from the management of crime scenes and preservation of exhibits to scientific analysis, presentation of expert evidence and its utilisation by courts.
In attendance; HW Ediger Nyakairu, Personal Assistant to the Principal Judge; Ms Diana Katiti, Principal Government Analyst; Mr Stephen S. Kibuuka, Principal Government Analyst; and Ms Cynthia Tumushabe, Government Analyst.
About the Government Analytical Laboratory
The Government Analytical Laboratory, under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, provides specialised scientific, analytical, forensic, advisory and referral services that support effective legal proceedings and the administration of justice. Its mandate also extends to safeguarding public and environmental health and safety and supporting private-sector competitiveness and growth.
Posted 11th, August 2026
