Ministry of Health assigns two laboratories to carry out DNA testing
Regarding DNA paternity testing, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, the Minister of Health, announced that no lab or facility can send DNA samples for paternity testing abroad without clearance from the Director General of Health Services and/or the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology. Labs interested in conducting DNA paternity tests can apply for evaluation and certification.
The health ministry has assigned the Government Analytical Laboratory (GAL), MBN Clinical Laboratories only to run DNA paternity testing.
Both labs are in Kampala; MBN is in Nakasero and GAL is in Wandegeya.
Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng stated that “no laboratory or any facility shall ship any samples for DNA paternity testing outside the country except with special clearance from the Director General of Health Services and/or the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology [UNCST]”.
Any lab that is ready and willing to do DNA paternity tests, according to Aceng, can apply to the Director General of Health Services, who will assemble a team of specialists to evaluate the Laboratory for certification.
The action was taken as a result of Thomas Tayebwa, the deputy speaker of parliament, asking the government to develop guidelines for conducting DNA tests without upending families or endangering the lives of young children.
On Tuesday, July 4, 2023, Tayebwa stated that the topic of DNA was delicate and required government participation.
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the minister of information, has previously disclosed that the accreditation of the laboratories doing DNA tests would be evaluated.
“Laboratories and tests being conducted are a concern in part. This morning, the Ministry of Health met with representatives from a few labs, and an evaluation is being conducted to see whether these labs are up to par. Baryomunsi told parliament last week on Tuesday July 4, 2023.
“I don’t know what is encouraging married men to take DNA tests because it has turned into another pandemic,” said the speaker.
The change occurs as a result of more males using DNA testing services to determine their children’s fathers.
The internal affairs ministry reported a 70% increase in DNA test requests last month.
Fred Enanga, a police spokesperson, issued a warning early last week about bogus DNA results that might lead to the dissolution of families and the death of children. He said a big number of the laboratories carrying out DNA tests were not accredited by the Government to do the services and warned that they were subject to issuing fake results.
