UGX2 Billion for Age-Detection Machine: Priority or Misplaced Investment ?

[Da Dona]

The Director of Government Analytical Laboratories (DGAL), Kepher Kuchana Kateu, asks Parliament to allocate at least UGX 2 billion (about $560,000) so it can buy specialised age-detection equipment. This request was made during a hearing before the Public Accounts Committee as part of discussions on the Auditor General’s report.

Kepher told lawmakers that they are increasingly receiving referrals from the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) — especially during the mass renewal of national ID cards, where there is a need to verify people’s ages scientifically.

Currently, without the equipment, the laboratory relies on analysing documents like birth certificates, school records and baptism papers, which is time-consuming and may not always be reliable. Officials argue the machine will strengthen forensic verification capacity. Parliament will decide whether to include the funding in the 2026/27 national budget.

However, the question remains, in a country where health services, education and road infrastructure are facing major funding gaps and service delivery challenges, is spending billions on specialised equipment like an age-detector the best use of limited public resources?

 

[Eronda]

Some one is looking for ways to steal money, ohh what haven’t African done to us

 

[Da Dona]

Some one is looking for ways to steal money, ohh what haven’t African done to us

Iyiiii but maybe there's good will today...