Police Warn Parents Against Carrying Out DNA Tests at Home.

 

During the weekly press briefing on July 3, 2023, SCP Fred Enanga, the Uganda Police spokesperson, issued a warning against purchasing DNA testing kits and carrying out testing at home. Enanga stated that this reckless behavior puts children at risk and invades their privacy.

According to Enanga, there have been reports of parents buying DNA test kits and conducting testing at home. However, he emphasized that DNA testing must be carried out by professionally trained personnel and following proper procedures.

Enanga explained that DNA testing has become increasingly popular, especially among fathers who request it for reasons such as inheritance, identifying inherited diseases, and raising children who may not be biologically theirs. Mothers may also request paternity testing for financial support.

Enanga noted that positive results can strengthen relationships, while negative results can cause stress and distress for children. He encouraged parents to follow DNA testing standards and avoid home testing, which is often unreliable and may yield inaccurate findings.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs also reported an increase in the number of men seeking paternity testing.

According to ministry spokesperson Simon Mundenyi Mundenyi, the average number of men seeking paternity tests has risen from three per month three years ago to one hundred for the same duration. The ministry has seen a significant increase in requests for DNA testing services.