Rwanda National Police

The Justice Minister and Attorney General, Johnston Busingye, yesterday, presided over the inauguration of the hi-tech National Forensic Laboratory (NFL) located at Kacyiru hospital in Gasabo District.

The inauguration also coincided with the official handover the NFL from Rwanda National Police (RNP).

Minister urged Rwandans to have a "scientific culture" in providing evidence systems in case of disputes.

He said that the laboratory is expected to bring about the provision of the highest quality scientific analysis to enhance the criminal justice system in the country by ushering efficient administration of Justice.

“We are in the age of technology and the government is fully committed to the strategic use of science and technology in the fight to create a safer and prosperous country," the Minister said.

The enhanced forensic capability, he said, will support Rwanda’s criminal justice system as well as that of the regional counterparts.

He attributed such continuous achievements to the good leadership under President Paul Kagame for his relentless efforts to ensure a fully-fledged national laboratory.

Minister Busingye said that foreign forensics were costing the country a lot in terms of time and resources to render justice.

The forensic laboratory, he observed, will assist investigators, prosecutors and judges with scientific evidence.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Emmanuel K. Gasana said that the laboratory was part of reforms in efforts to enhance criminal investigation in the Rwanda adding that forensic science is an integral part of the criminal justice system of any country.

“Scientific investigations have become paramount in virtually all cases investigation, resolve difficult cases in courts of law with scientific evidence and to boost security," IGP Gasana said.

He said specific training on the acquired forensic equipment was also provided to staff.

At least 52 Police officers with forensic skills were also handed over to NFL.

Assistant Commissioner of police (ACP) Dr François Sinayobye, the Director General of NFL said that it comes to provide accurate and unbiased results.

The launched forensic lab means that all test that were being taken abroad will now be done here.

It will conduct DNA testing and analysis, chemical and biological analysis, photography, ballistic and document analysis, among others medical legal services.

It is expected to serve both private and public institutions, as well as individuals.