Through this scientific advancement, long-hidden family secrets have also been unearthed, leading to immense emotional upheaval among families. The results of paternity tests have shattered trust and relationships for some parents, causing significant distress.
One mother, who wished to remain anonymous, shared her harrowing experience of being coerced by her in-laws to undergo a DNA test. Accompanied by family members and a police officer attached to the Child Family and Protection Unit (CFPU), she was taken to a private laboratory in Kampala.
Despite living happily with her 26-month-old child, her in-laws contested the child’s paternity, adding to existing family conflicts. The mother recalled, “My child’s father agreed to the test. They claimed my child was light-skinned like me, while their family, including the father, were all dark-skinned.”
Despite the child’s resemblance to the father, the in-laws remained unconvinced. After three days, the test results confirmed the child’s paternity, but none of the bitter in-laws showed up on the day of disclosure.”
“The father of my child tore his copy of the results into small pieces, cried, and asked for an apology. He angrily left us at the lab premises. I don’t remember even shedding a tear throughout the entire process because I knew the truth,” the mother said.
Following the DNA test, the couple separated, but the father has since become extremely protective of the child, taking full responsibility for all basic needs. As DNA testing became more accessible and prevalent, the ministry of Health responded by implementing regulations.
On July 10, Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng announced the approval of two laboratories, the Government Analytical Laboratory (GAL), and the privately-owned MBN Clinical Laboratories, to conduct DNA paternity testing in the country. The move was to curb the proliferation of unscrupulous agents conducting unauthorized DNA tests, which led to suspicions of counterfeit equipment and reagents being used.
DR ACENG CAUTIONS
Dr Aceng cautioned against using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) purported to be home-based DNA test kits, some of which were available online. She emphasized that these RDTs were not permitted for use in Uganda, as they could yield inaccurate results.
“There’s suspicion that some unscrupulous agents might have smuggled fake equipment or reagents [kits] for DNA paternity testing in the country. I have been informed that some rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) purported to be home-based DNA test kits, some of which are available online,” Aceng said.
She added: “These RDTs are not allowed for use in Uganda whether in the public or private sector. I want to caution Ugandans not to use these rapid kits because they will get wrong results.”
The GAL and MBN laboratories underwent validation and met the required standards for certification and international accreditation. Additionally, the Uganda Police Forensic Laboratory, based in Naguru, was cleared to continue DNA testing, but it would focus on testing for evidential material to support police investigations and related agencies. Guidelines for sample collection centers and referrals are awaiting approval by the ministry of Health’s top management.
WHY ONE PRIVATE LAB SO FAR
Presently, any laboratory intending to conduct DNA paternity testing must obtain clearance from the director general of health services. Dr Freddie Bwanga, the laboratory director at MBN Clinical Laboratories, revealed in an interview with The Observer that the ministry inspected their Nakasero premises and found them exceptional in all aspects of quality assurance.
The DNA tests undergo about five phases before results are issued: pre-test phase, testing phase, post-testing phase, external quality assessment (EQA), and service quality.
Bwanga emphasized that all personnel involved in DNA testing are highly trained, supervised, and undergo annual retraining in Uganda, Germany, and France. He stated that the integrity of the process is maintained as personnel at MBN are meticulously auto-checking everything, making them resistant to bribes.
The laboratory hires only personnel with degrees, ensuring a high level of professionalism. As a senior lecturer at Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Bwanga highlighted that the chances of producing erroneous reports are nearly non-existent due to the rigorous external quality assurance system checks.
The lab handles each of the four stages of testing with expertise. To further ensure the accuracy of results, MBN collaborates with an external laboratory based in the USA.
MBN passed consistently for over two years, earning international accreditation from the prestigious AABB (Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies). Notably, MBN is the only laboratory in Africa with this accreditation. Charles Nahabwe Kaahwa, the senior quality assurance officer (diagnostic services) at the Allied Health Professionals Council, explained that DNA testing is highly sophisticated, which is why the country has only accredited a few laboratories so far.
While the council would welcome more laboratories, the cost of setting up and maintaining such facilities poses a challenge for many private players.
Additionally, the Government Analytical Laboratory (GAL) and Police labs are primarily focused on forensic works, making them less involved in paternity testing. Although government labs have the capacity for paternity tests, the turnaround time for results may be longer for customers.
Conversely, MBN provides results within three to five working days, thanks to their efficient procedures, although they cannot go below 24 hours for emergency results to ensure accuracy.
Nahabwe expressed optimism that more laboratories may join the DNA testing field soon. He cited an example of one private lab in Kasangati, which previously conducted Covid-19 testing and is now gearing up for DNA paternity tests. Moreover, the Makerere University College of Health Sciences laboratory is nearly ready to embark on DNA testing, which would further enhance accessibility to this crucial service.
DNA TESTS NOT ON THE RISE
Medical experts have refuted the idea that there has been a surge in DNA testing numbers, as widely portrayed in the mainstream media and on social media platforms. Dr. Freddie Bwanga, the laboratory director at MBN Clinical Laboratories, dismissed these claims as “dramatized” and insisted that there has been no significant increase in testing to warrant such attention.
He believes that some people are exaggerating the situation to generate sensationalism. Bwanga revealed that only a few individuals, mainly from established families, seek DNA tests. These tests are often requested during ongoing conflicts at home.
Some men are compelled to take DNA tests due to accusations of neglecting their children, while some mothers independently seek confirmation of their children’s paternity.
Addressing a viral social media post by an individual named Mukasa, who claimed to have received varying results from DNA tests in Uganda and Nairobi, Bwanga dismissed the story as a fabrication. He pointed out that no private labs in Nairobi conduct DNA testing, and MBN frequently serves individuals from Nairobi seeking DNA testing.
Bwanga believes the post contains scientifically incorrect information. Contrary to media reports suggesting that DNA results have caused more family disputes, Bwanga contended that DNA testing has been instrumental in resolving paternity uncertainties for many children.
He asserted that the media narrative is misleading in this regard. Regarding the need for a policy on DNA testing at birth, Bwanga emphasized that such a policy should not mandate DNA testing for newborns. He suggested that a policy could focus on mandatory testing for certain genetic conditions, like sickle cell disease, which would have significant public health implications.
He emphasized that there is no immediate necessity for DNA testing at birth to address specific problems. Bwanga proposed that the DNA policy should allow for DNA testing in cases of disputed paternity while respecting the preference of most individuals to handle such matters privately.
At MBN, the cost of a DNA paternity/ maternity test for peace of mind is Shs 285,000 per sample. For legal purposes, such as court cases, the cost is Shs 370,000 or $100 per sample, with results recognised worldwide by the AABB. An immigration paternity/maternity DNA test costs $150, with additional shipping costs. A DNA Y-Chromosomal test, which determines lineage or clan between two males, costs Shs 550,000 per sample.
“PROTECT CHILDREN”
Medical experts stress the importance of protecting children in cases where the alleged father receives negative DNA test results. Dr Freddie Bwanga urges parents to refrain from exposing the children to harmful statements that could affect their emotional well-being. He emphasizes that even if a man is not the biological father, he can still play a positive role as a social father to the child.
Bwanga shares his personal commitment to supporting children who are not biologically his, showing that parenthood extends beyond biological ties.
Dickson Tumuramye, a child advocate, and marriage counselor, supports Dr Bwanga’s views, urging men to seek professional counseling before and after DNA tests to address any mental and psychological impacts, especially in cases of negative results. Tumuramye believes DNA tests should only be conducted in contentious situations, such as custody battles, land disputes, and inheritance issues.
Tumuramye also criticizes the practice of blaming women for lying about the paternity of their children, pointing out that men should also take responsibility for their actions. He stresses the importance of faithfulness and fidelity in marriage, as trust is a vital foundation for any relationship.
According to Tumuramye, mothers should be open and honest about the paternity of their children rather than playing games that may lead to embarrassment and emotional distress for both the mothers and the children when DNA test results are revealed.
For the mother who was coerced by her in-laws to undergo a DNA test, she is relieved that her innocence was proven. Although her child is still unaware of the past events, she plans to reveal the truth when the child is older than 18. She acknowledges the ongoing discrimination from her in-laws and hopes to update her child about their father’s family in the future.
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