Uganda has witnessed a significant increase in the number of men seeking paternity tests, sparking fears of family breakdowns and psychological trauma for children. The issue has been at the center of heated debates in the country since a tabloid newspaper released a story claiming that a well-known business tycoon, known for having multiple wives and mistresses, had demanded paternity tests. According to the report, the tests revealed that he was the biological father of only 15 out of his 25 children. The accuracy of this report remains unverified as the tycoon and his family have not commented publicly.
The story quickly gained traction, causing widespread controversy in Uganda. In response, some lawmakers made emotional appeals to men to refrain from subjecting their families and children to the trauma of paternity tests. Minister of Mineral Development, Sarah Opendi, urged men to “live like our forefathers lived” and emphasized that the child born in the house is the father’s child. She did acknowledge that if a man wanted a paternity test, it should be done soon after the child’s birth rather than waiting until they are older.
Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of paternity tests on families. The privately-owned Monitor newspaper reported cases of domestic violence arising from paternity testing, including an incident where an Israeli national was arrested for allegedly killing his wife after DNA results showed he was not the father of their six-month-old child. However, it is important to note that the man has not been charged yet.
Reports suggest a significant increase in requests for paternity tests, with a 10-fold rise noted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Previously, the government analytical lab received an average of 10 applications per day, but this has now increased to around 100 daily and continues to rise. Private clinics have also seized the opportunity by advertising paternity tests on taxis and billboards.
The surge in demand for paternity tests raised concerns about the accuracy of the results, especially following reports of suspected fake testing kits being smuggled into Uganda. To address this, the Ministry of Health restricted testing to three state-run laboratories. Nevertheless, the director of public health, Daniel Kyabayinze, argued that there was more hype on social media than an actual surge in testing.
Efforts are being made to provide counseling and psychological support to families undergoing paternity tests. Dr. Kyabayinze emphasized the importance of ensuring that the testing process does not lead to disruptions within families or to gender-based violence.
Public opinion remains divided on the matter, with voices on both sides of the debate. Some individuals, like Kampala resident Bwette Brian, believe that men have the right to know whether the children are biologically theirs, as children are responsibilities and must know their family lineage. Alternatively, Tracy Nakubulwa highlighted the adverse effects of paternity testing on marriages and families, arguing that children often become victims in these situations.
Human rights activist Lindsey Kukunda shed light on the longstanding practice of women secretly having relationships with other men to provide their husbands with children, stating that this was not a new phenomenon. Kukunda argued that men seeking paternity tests were exhibiting double standards, as men often have extramarital affairs and fathers children outside of their marriages.
Microbiologist Freddie Bwanga, who works at a state laboratory, explained that although his lab has not experienced a significant increase in requests for testing, there is greater awareness around the issue. Bwanga stated that 60-70% of the tests prove a biological link between the father and child, which can be beneficial in helping children settle into their rightful families. Nonetheless, some argue that relying on cultural practices, such as floating the umbilical cord in water, is not the optimal method compared to DNA testing.
While the debate surrounding paternity tests in Uganda continues, the state minister for primary health care, Margaret Muhanga, maintains that there is no need for men to seek such tests. She believes that ignorance can prevent heartbreak, emphasizing that not knowing the true parentage of a child cannot harm a person.
