The Ministry of Internal Affairs has reported a sudden surge in the number of Ugandans seeking deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing services.
Simon Mundeyi, the Ministry’s spokesperson, confirmed the unexpected influx, revealing that just last week alone, 94 individuals sought DNA testing.
Mundeyi noted that the majority of applicants visiting the Government Analytical Laboratory (GAL) in Wandegeya are men looking to verify the paternity of their children.
“Only last week, 93 people sought DNA services, and among these, 95% were men seeking to confirm the paternity of their children. 3% were children bringing in their parents for testing. Additionally, 2% were women requesting DNA tests for their children,” Mundeyi said.
While he acknowledged the importance of DNA tests in establishing paternity, Mundeyi cautioned that such decisions should not be taken lightly. He revealed that, based on their data, an average of 90% of the tests conducted yield negative results.
“I advise Ugandans to only resort to DNA testing when it is the absolute last option. Alternatively, if it must be done, conduct the test when the child is still young—it saves a lot. But the best option is to accept the child your wife has given you because many of you have biological children being raised by other men,” he warned.
The surge in DNA testing requests has been partly attributed to the recent controversy involving the late Muhammad Ssegirinya. Of the nine children believed to be his, only four were confirmed through DNA testing to be biologically related.
This revelation appears to have triggered widespread anxiety and prompted many Ugandans to seek clarity regarding paternity concerns.
