Uganda has in collaboration with the Indian government inaugurated the National Forensic Sciences University, the first of its kind on the continent.
The Third Deputy Prime Minister Hon Lukia Isanga Nakadama officiated at the ceremony on behalf of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, while Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyan Jaishankar represented the Indian Prime Minister Nerandra Modi.
The university is located at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Centre (URDCC) Gaddafi Barracks in Jinja, and it train forensic and allied experts to manage complex security situations.
Hon. Nakadama, the Woman MP for Mayuge District, expressed her gratitude to the Government of India for their help in establishing the NFSU – Uganda Campus, highlighting the excellent diplomatic relationship between India and Uganda.
The Uganda Government has already secured 130 acres of land with a 99-year lease for the construction of the permanent NFSU-Uganda campus.
Hon Jaishankar praised the robust relationship between the two sister countries and noted that the first foreign campus for the NFSU of India would mark a significant milestone in furthering bilateral defense cooperation. He also observed that courses in forensic science have been in high demand worldwide in recent years and Africa will benefit from the institution.
The Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hon Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja, acknowledged the strategic vision of both President Museveni and Indian Prime Minister Nerandra Modi in building modern and efficient economies based on science and technology to spur socio-economic transformation.
He added that the NFSU would facilitate technological transfer and enhance defense capabilities to address emerging threats. The NFSU will provide specialised training in forensic science, cyber security, digital forensics, behavioural and allied sciences.
It will plug the gap of the acute shortage of forensic experts both in Uganda and Africa, bust crime more easily and in a scientific way, aid more research in forensic science crime management and add on to the already existing curriculum, he added
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several government officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Jeje Odong, the Minister of Security Hon Jim Muhwezi, Minister of State for Defense Hon Jacob Oboth-Oboth and the Internal Affairs Permanent Secretary Lt Gen Musanyufu among others.
The establishment of Africa’s first National Forensic Sciences University in collaboration with India marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between Uganda and India, and will enhance Uganda’s capabilities in forensic science and allied fields. This also provides a platform for Uganda to lead in the training of forensic experts in Africa, thereby enhancing the fight against crime and ensuring justice for all.
By Desire Amanya – Communications Officer, Government Citizen Interaction Centre.
