The Directorate of Government Analytical Laboratory (DGAL) is Uganda’s premier provider of independent scientific, analytical, and forensic services, boasting over 80 years of expertise. Operating under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, DGAL plays a crucial role within the Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS) by offering scientific investigations that aid in the administration of justice
Mandate and Mission
DGAL’s mandate encompasses delivering specialized scientific-analytical, forensic, and advisory services to support justice, the private sector, and public safety. Its mission is to safeguard lives, property, and the environment, while enhancing the competitiveness of Uganda’s private sector through timely, reliable, and affordable services.
Core Values
The directorate upholds values such as professionalism, quality service, teamwork, integrity, respect, fairness, confidentiality, participation, and effectiveness.
Departments and Services
DGAL is structured into three main departments
Criminalistics and Laboratory Services: Focuses on forensic analyses related to criminal investigations.
Quality and Chemical Verification Services: Handles the assessment and verification of chemical substances for quality assurance.
Regional Forensic Laboratories: Manages and oversees forensic laboratory services across various regions.
Accreditation and Standards
In July 2024, DGAL achieved ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation for 14 tests, including analyses of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables, persistent organic pollutants in fish and meat, toxic metals like lead, as well as microbiology, toxicology, and DNA testing. This four-year accreditation enhances confidence in the laboratory’s services both nationally and internationally.
Core Mandate
DGAL’s primary mandate includes:
- Providing forensic science services to aid criminal investigations.
- Conducting analytical testing of various substances including food, drugs, chemicals, and environmental samples.
- Offering scientific evidence and expert witness testimony in courts of law.
- Ensuring quality assurance of goods and services in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and health.
Key Departments / Units
- Forensic Biology and DNA Unit
- DNA profiling for criminal and civil cases.
- Paternity and kinship testing.
- Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry
- Analysis of drugs, poisons, and toxic substances.
- Alcohol analysis in relation to road traffic cases.
- Food and Drugs Laboratory
- Quality testing of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and foods.
- Environmental Chemistry and Pollution Control
- Testing water, soil, and air for pollutants.
- Supporting environmental protection and regulation.
- Document and Handwriting Examination Unit
- Analyzing handwriting, signatures, altered documents, and forgery cases.
Role in Justice and Law Enforcement
DGAL plays a vital role in:
- Supporting police investigations.
- Providing prosecutorial evidence for the judiciary.
- Collaborating with agencies like the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Uganda Police Force, Uganda Revenue Authority, and National Drug Authority.
Regional and International Collaboration
DGAL partners with:
- Interpol and regional forensic bodies.
- International training institutions to build capacity and improve standards.
- It also plays a role in cross-border crime investigations like human trafficking and drug smuggling.
Challenges
- Inadequate funding and staffing.
- Limited infrastructure in regional labs.
- Backlogs in case analysis due to increasing demand.
Recent Developments
- Expansion of forensic services and regional presence.
- Digitization of forensic casework systems.
- Improved training and recruitment of specialized forensic scientists.
Location
DGAL is situated at Plot 2–4 Lourdel Road, Wandegeya, Kampala, Uganda.
Through its comprehensive services and adherence to international standards, DGAL significantly contributes to the administration of justice, public safety, and the competitiveness of Uganda’s private sector.