EAC Partner states’ Heads of Forensic Units started their three-day meeting in Kampala, Uganda, December 17, 2012 to consider modalities for kick-starting the Regional Forensic Referral Centre (RFRC).
The experts will also consider structures and funding modalities of the RFRC which is situated in Kampala, Uganda.
Forensic science (often shortened to forensics) is the practical application of science to matters of the law. In criminal law, forensic science can help prove the guilt or innocence of the defendant.
In civil actions, forensics can help resolve a broad spectrum of legal issues through the identification, analysis and evaluation of physical evidence.
Opening the first technical meeting, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Political Federation, Dr Julius Tangus Rotich underscored the importance of peace and security in the region for mutual development.
‘’We are taking the issues of peace and security in the region very seriously and i urge Partner States to fully support the EAC established RFRC’’, he said, adding the importance of the regional forensic services becomes even more critical in the advent of regional integration which has now moved to the second stage of Common Market where there will be free movement of labour, capital, goods and services.
Dr Rotich told the delegates the task ahead of them was of pioneering nature and would provide a precedent to be emulated in the identification, establishment and operationalization of other Centres of Excellence in policing disciplines for the benefit of the citizens of EAC.
He further urged the meeting to explore the modalities being used by the defence sectors and the management of the International Police (Interpol) Regional Bureau as sources of an existing, workable and successful practice so that they do not have to reinvent the wheel.
The Deputy Secretary General informed the meeting that the EAC Secretariat was already working with Development Partners to mobilize funding to support establishment of the Centre.
A cooperation agreement had already been concluded with Interpol, he said, for the purpose of drawing from the latter’s technical resources and experience to ensure that the Centre attains the highest professional standards.
The EAC official also announced that the Council of Ministers had decided to unfreeze the position of Police Liaison Officer, for immediate filling through a competitive process.
“It is our conviction that the Police Liaison Officer will enhance coordination among the police services and support certain critical and sensitive aspects of police cooperation,” he said.
The Head of Forensic Unit in the Republic of Uganda, Leni Mugalu, who is also the chairperson of the meeting, thanked the Partner States for choosing Uganda to host the RFRC.
“Let’s all work to make this a reality for our common peace, stability and development, ‘he said.
The meeting is facilitated by the German Development Agency (GIZ).
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