The Ministry of Internal Affairs in Uganda has reported a significant rise in the number of men seeking DNA paternity tests for their children, with an increase of 70 percent. Previously, the average number of men requesting such tests was only three per month, but it has now escalated to a hundred within the same timeframe.
Ministry spokesperson Simon Mundenyi expressed surprise and disapproval at the trend, stating that last week alone, around 40 individuals approached the ministry for DNA testing services.
“Last week alone, we had around 40 people, who were looking for services of DNA at the ministry because they know that we do control the Government Analytic Laboratory,” he said.
The motivation behind this surge remains unclear, although some men may be attempting to evade parental responsibilities. Instances of negative DNA test results have become prevalent in Uganda. The cost of a DNA test involving three samples (mother, father, and child) is approximately UGX 750,000 or Ksh.28,000, as per the Ministry of Internal Affairs.