Kampala, Uganda | The Uganda Police Force (UPF), in collaboration with the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and other criminal justice stakeholders, has officially launched Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for crime scene examination in human trafficking cases.
The event, presided over by Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) James Ocaya, took place on Tuesday at Mestil Hotel in Kampala and brought together all Regional Forensic Services Scenes of Crime officers and key players in the justice system.
DIGP Ocaya said the SOPs are practical tools designed to be used consistently across the country, stressing that their value lies in proper implementation.
He highlighted the need for capacity building among ODPP staff and community sensitization programs to prevent trafficking, noting that awareness of traffickers’ methods could reduce crime rates and minimize losses caused by mishandled cases.
He further emphasized that fighting human trafficking requires more than arrests; it demands professionalism at every stage, from reporting and prosecution to adjudication, while safeguarding the rights of victims.
According to Ocaya, the integrity of the crime scene is crucial, as any procedural errors, contamination, or oversight could result in lost evidence, weakened prosecutions, and denied justice for survivors.
Dr. Katja Yvonne Kerschbaumer, Head of Development Cooperation at the Austrian Embassy, explained that human trafficking cases are often complex, involving organized perpetrators and hidden crimes.
She emphasized the importance of collecting high-quality evidence, including digital records, financial trails, travel documents, forensic data, and credible witness statements.
Such evidence strengthens prosecutions and protects victims from repeated questioning and courtroom trauma.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Andrew K. Mubirua, Ag Director of Forensic Services, noted that trauma among trafficking survivors is often profound.
He said professional and sensitive handling of crime scenes reduces the need for repeated testimony and supports victim recovery.
He further explained that crime scenes, ranging from hidden houses, border points, vehicles, to digital environments, are where the truth begins to emerge, and any loss or mishandling of evidence aids traffickers and undermines justice.
The SOPs offer a standardized guide for officers and first responders on securing, documenting, and examining crime scenes in circumstances peculiar to trafficking incidents.
They are intended for application in Kampala, border regions, and rural districts, ensuring uniformity and professionalism in investigations nationwide.
During the launch, officers were trained in practical procedures for evidence collection and crime scene management, demonstrating the application of the SOPs in real scenarios.
Officials emphasized that proper adherence to the SOPs will enhance prosecutions, protect victims, and support the overall fight against human trafficking in Uganda.
