JSC Legal Officers Enhance Forensic Evidence Handling Skills At NFSU Uganda

Legal officers from Uganda’s Judicial Service Commission (JSC) have undergone advanced forensic science training to enhance their capacity to handle evidence during investigations.

The three-day program, held from December 17 to 19, 2024, took place at the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) Uganda Campus in Jinja.

 

The training targeted eight legal officers from the JSC’s Department of Complaints and Investigations. It was inaugurated virtually by Dr. J.M. Vyas, Founder Vice Chancellor of NFSU and a renowned forensic scientist from India.

 

In his opening remarks, Dr. Vyas emphasized the growing role of forensic science in tackling complex global crimes. He introduced emerging fields such as Drone Forensics, Marine Forensics, Aviation Forensics, Forensic Structural Engineering, and Preventive Forensics, sharing insights from his 51 years of experience.

Air Commodore K.R. Thaakar, Director of the NFSU Uganda Campus, stressed the importance of equipping judicial officers with forensic science knowledge to better evaluate evidence. He highlighted NFSU’s global reach, having trained judicial officers from 83 countries, and reiterated the need for such expertise in today’s legal landscape.

The training covered diverse topics, including biological, chemical, and physical evidence, forensic psychology, and practical case studies. Participants praised the program for its depth and practical application.

 

Mr Mwebembezi Julius, Registrar of the JSC, lauded the training as superior to similar programs attended in South Africa and Zanzibar. He expressed interest in further collaborations with NFSU, including enrolling JSC officers in the university’s academic programs.

NFSU Uganda, established in partnership with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), is Africa’s first and only forensic science-focused university. As part of a global institution dedicated exclusively to forensic education, the campus aims to revolutionize forensic training and practice on the continent.