The health ministry has accredited only the Government Analytical Laboratory (GAL) and MBN Clinical Laboratories only to run DNA paternity testing.
Both laboratories are located in Kampala, GAL in Wandegeya whereas MBN is in Nakasero.
Addressing journalists yesterday, at the ministry’s offices in Kampala, health minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng said no laboratory or any facility shall ship any samples for DNA paternity testing outside the country except with special clearance from the Director General of Health Services and/ or the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology [UNCST].
Aceng added that any laboratory that is prepared and wants to do DNA paternity testing can apply to the Director General of Health Services who will set up a team of experts to assess the Laboratory for certification.
The move comes after Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa had asked the Government to come up with guidelines on carrying out DNA tests without breaking families and ruining the lives of innocent children.
Early last week, Police spokesperson Fred Enanga warned of fake DNA results that could end up breaking families and ruining the lives of children.
He said a big number of the laboratories carrying out DNA tests were not accredited by the Government to do the services and warned that they were subject to issuing fake results.
