KAMPALA.
The Directorate of Government Analytical Laboratories (DGAL) has asked Parliament to allocate Shs 2 billion for specialised age-detection equipment, citing rising requests from the National Identification and Registration Authority (Nira) during the ongoing national ID card renewal process.
The Directorate of Government Analytical Laboratories (DGAL) has urged Parliament to approve a budget of Shs2 billion for the procurement of specialised equipment to determine the actual age of individuals.
The request comes amid increasing referrals from the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) during the ongoing renewal of national identification cards.
DGAL Director Kepher Kuchana Kateu presented the appeal during a meeting with Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to discuss findings from the December 2025 Auditor General’s report.
“We came to Parliament and requested that a budget be provided for equipment that will assist us in performing forensic age analysis. The number of cases is increasing, especially during the updating of data with NIRA, and they continue to refer these cases to us for verification,” Kateu said.
Currently, the agency relies on document-based analysis due to the absence of specialized equipment, reviewing birth certificates, academic records, and baptismal documents to estimate age.
Kateu noted that DGAL’s methods are scientific, examining the age of ink and other forensic markers to verify authenticity.
“We use other methods of analysis to verify the authenticity of the documents submitted. We then advise NIRA on whether the documents are genuine and accurately reflect the person’s age,” he said.
The remarks followed questions from Mawogolo County MP and PAC Vice Chairperson Gorreth Namugga on the challenges DGAL faces in executing its mandate, particularly in cases where individuals refuse to declare their age.
Kasilo County MP Elijah Okupa also inquired about the cost of the equipment to enable Parliament to consider it during the 2026/27 national budget process.
Kateu responded that DGAL has been requesting at least Shs 2 billion in previous budgets, but the proposal has remained unfunded.