Police explain Pathologist’s arrest

In the evening of the same day, a meeting was convened at the offices of the Executive Director of Mulago Hospital, which was attended by five members of Parliament, a team of Police officers led by the Director of CID, two pathologists who participated in the Post-Mortem, and scientists from GAL.

All parties resolved that all forensic procedures are consolidated under GAL, and that Dr. Onzivua would submit the samples in his possession to the stipulated procedures.

However, Police say that in direct contravention of the law and professional requirements, and before the Director of CID could respond to his letter, Dr. Sylvester Onzivua attempted to smuggle the samples out of the country. He was arrested at Entebbe Airport, while in possession of the samples.

“As a general principle, and in the interests of transparency and professionalism, Police allow representatives of families and other relevant parties to observe, and even seek second opinions, in certain matters under investigation,” the statement says.

This, however, must be done in accordance with the law, while, at all times, observing all the requisite professional procedures that would ensure that the results are credible, and would add value to the Police investigation.

“Should a person require extra samples for independent analysis, the procedure demands that such person obtains the samples from GAL, which would oversee the process, document it, and ensure that all scientific fine points are observed,” the statement says.

Police say that, in pathologist Onzivua case, it is not clear what samples were in possession of the third parties, how they were obtained, and the conditions under which they were kept.

Moreover, Dr. Onzivua, who is a civil servant, had not been cleared to travel out of the country, and neither had he obtained the authority required to export the samples out of the country.

It is for this reason that Dr. Onzivua is in Police custody to assist in determining why he violated the laid down procedures and regulations, the Police statement said.