The Parliament of Uganda has asked for the immediate regulation of the operation of DNA laboratory centers in the country.
While chairing the parliamentary plenary session on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, the Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, tasked Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to ensure that DNA laboratories are guided.
According to Tayebwa, the current wave of men rushing to conduct DNA tests on their children is worrying, but it has to be curtailed.
Once it is regulated, Tayebwa said this will save the plight of many children who are victimized as a result of misguided DNA tests.
He also suggested that the affected be offered counseling and psychosocial support services.
“We need the Prime Minister to guide the nation on this matter and counsel these men. There is need to regulate the DNA testing centers around the country. Ugandans are very sharp, now in every corner, you are going to have a DNA laboratory. So we want to know how this should be regulated and handled,”said Tayebwa.
Sarah Opendi Achieng, the Tororo district woman Member of Parliament, should stop being excited by the DNA test, saying it’s causing family breakups.
On Monday, July 3, 2023, the police issued guidelines on how to conduct DNA tests by parents and warned the public against violating the rights of children affected by the negative results.
Recently, the Immigration Department announced that demands from men seeking to expunge particulars from their children’s passports after negative DNA results are on the rise.
A DNA test (genetic testing) is a medical test that can identify mutations in your genes, chromosomes, or proteins, which can indicate if you have or don’t have a genetic condition and can also identify your risk for developing a certain condition or passing on a genetic disorder. It is the only test that shows the paternity origin of someone.
