Uganda’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has advised citizens to avoid DNA tests, warning that the results can be emotionally devastating.
The Ministry’s spokesperson, Simon Mundeyi, told the press that Uganda has seen a sharp increase in people undergoing DNA tests to determine paternity and family relationships.
He revealed that in the past three days alone, a DNA testing center received 94 clients—95% of them were men seeking to confirm if the children they are raising are biologically theirs, 3% were women, and 2% were children trying to find out who their real parents are.
Due to this surge, the Ministry has advised Ugandans who are emotionally fragile to avoid taking DNA tests, as 98% of the test results turn out to be negative—meaning the presumed parents are not biologically related to the children.
He said:
“We are seeing an increase in grown-up children wanting to confirm whether those they call parents are their biological parents. But let me caution Ugandans: do not take DNA tests unless you have a strong heart.”
He added:
“Our investigation shows that 98% of the results come back negative. Imagine a man who raised a child for 15 years, only to find out the child isn’t his. It causes trauma—especially for the child. To avoid this, please don’t do it. Just live and die in peace.”
