Gov't clears only 2 labs to offer DNA testing; bans 'home-based' testing kits

The two labs are; the Government Analytical Laboratory located in Wandegeya and MBN Clinical Laboratories on Nakasero Road. 

“Only these two labs will be allowed to do DNA paternity testing in Uganda for now,” announced the Minister at a press conference.

Additionally, the Minister said, no labs or clinics will be allowed to collect samples for DNA paternity testing unless they have agreements with the two approved labs to which they send samples for testing. The testing labs will also have to take full accountability for the results. 

Moreover, shipping of samples for testing outside the country has also been banned, except with special clearance from the Ministry’s Director General Health Services.

Aceng’s pronouncements, she said, were in response to what she called a “DNA paternity testing crisis” in the country.

Over the past few months, there has been a spike in demand for DNA paternity testing. This was followed by multiple media reports for family breakdowns, increase domestic abuse, and in some cases suicide where results turned out negative.

Parliament last week tasked the Government to intervene before the situation gets out of hand.

While addressing the press, Minister Aceng revealed that a recent study by a team of experts from the Ministry had discovered a range of grave issues with the DNA testing services being offered in the private health facilities recently.’

Among others, she said, some labs and clinics were found to lack the proper equipment, manpower and skills to professionally and ethically carry out such tests, while others turned out to be using machines, and reagents that are downright fake.

Some labs claiming to offer DNA testing, Aceng said, were merely collecting samples and sending them to other labs for testing, sometimes outside the country.

“There is also suspicion that some people have smuggled in fake equipment or reagent kits for DNA testing into the country,” she said.

“I have been informed of some rapid diagnostic tests, purported to be home based DNA testing kits, some of which are available online. These RDTs are not validated for use in Uganda and are not allowed in the country, whether for private or public use.”

Read: Health Ministry moves to restrict DNA testing

As such, Aceng directed the Ministry’s Department of National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services to work with the National Drug Authority and URA to ensure that these fake RDTs and other fake supplies are gotten rid of and not allowed into the country.

In the meantime as the Ministry drafts more guidelines for DNA testing, Aceng advised Laboratories and Clinics which feel they are prepared to do paternity testing, to apply to the Director General, who in turn will set up a team of experts to assess the lab, its equipment and personnel for certification.