The Uganda Police Force (UPF) Forensic Services is leading a quiet revolution in how crimes are solved and justice is delivered.
With state-of-the-art technology and well-trained experts, the unit is now recognized as the East African Community’s Regional Forensic Referral Centre of Excellence — a major milestone for Uganda and the region.
This recognition means Uganda is now a trusted hub for scientific policing, offering reliable forensic services not just for Ugandans but also for neighboring countries. It is a clear sign that Africa can build its own systems to deliver fair and credible justice.
Forensic science uses technology to uncover the truth behind crimes. UPF experts collect and analyze fingerprints, DNA samples, ballistic evidence, and even digital data from computers and phones. This work makes it easier to catch the real culprits and ensure that innocent people are not wrongly accused.
In recent years, UPF’s forensic unit has been credited with solving high-profile cases that might have gone cold without scientific evidence. For example, DNA analysis has linked suspects to crime scenes, while digital forensics has exposed hidden networks of fraud and cybercrime.
This progress is not just about fighting crime — it is about rebuilding trust between the police and the public. When justice is backed by science, communities feel more confident that the truth will prevail.
As the Regional Forensic Referral Centre of Excellence, UPF’s forensic unit now works with other East African countries, sharing knowledge, training professionals, and helping them solve complex cases.
This collaboration strengthens the entire region’s justice systems and reduces reliance on expensive foreign forensic labs.
The success of UPF Forensics shows that policing today is about more than manpower — it is about knowledge, technology, and precision. By continuing to invest in advanced labs, training, and regional partnerships, Uganda is building a justice system that is fairer, faster, and more transparent.
The message is clear: Africa’s justice systems can grow stronger from within. UPF’s efforts are protecting the progress made in peace and security and setting an example for other nations to follow.
