Government has cautioned individuals particularly men who are planning to undergo DNA testing to ensure they are emotionally prepared for potentially life-altering results.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, a shocking 98% of DNA tests conducted at the Government Analytical Laboratory(GAL) have returned negative results, revealing that the men who underwent the tests were not the biological fathers of the children in question.
The ministry says this revelation has driven many into emotional turmoil, depression, and has deeply traumatized families especially children.
“I think 98% of the people who have carried out DNA, the results have come out negative. You can know. You can now know the results and what this has caused to the population, especially traumatizing children,” Simon Mundeyi, the Ministry of Internal Affairs spokesperson, said.
Mundeyi expressed concern over the rising number of late-stage DNA requests, advising that paternity tests, if necessary, should be conducted at the earliest stages of a child’s life to reduce psychological harm.
“I would advise that for men who have desires of carrying out these paternity to do it maybe when kids are still at a tender age, very young in hospital or at birth, instead of waiting. Because now these children, some of them are of age, others are now, supposing you find a kid you have taken care of up to the age of 15, and now it tells not yours. I just imagine what is going to happen,” he said.
The emotional toll of such discoveries, especially after years of parental investment and bonding, is immense. Mundeyi warned men to be prepared for the emotional consequences that may come with the pursuit of biological certainty.
“Unless if you have a very stony heart. If you don’t have a strong heart, please do not,” Mundeyi said.
In a moment of reflection, Mundeyi also encouraged men to accept and raise the children given to them by their partners, suggesting that fatherhood transcends biology, and others may unknowingly be doing the same for them.
“So I have always said this that take care of the children that your wife gave you, because others are also taking care of yours somewhere,” he added.
According to data from the ministry, men account for the majority of DNA test requests 95%, while women make up 2%, and children 3%. This sharp gender imbalance highlights the deep-rooted suspicions and emotional challenges men face in matters of paternity.
Mundeyi said a standard DNA test at the Government Analytical Laboratory costs $300 (about Shs 1 million) and covers three samples, usually from the alleged father, mother, and child.
Each sample is charged at $100.
