The Ministry of Health has imposed a ban on Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) paternity testing centers from advertising their services. According to the ministry’s directive, any DNA center found promoting its services through advertising will face the revocation of its license.
This ban applies not only to laboratories that collect DNA samples and conduct paternity relationship testing but also to facilities that solely engage in sample collection and subsequently send those samples for testing at another laboratory.
The ministry’s decision to impose this ban stems from a desire to exercise control over the entire process, from the collection of DNA samples to the testing phase. The criteria for consideration include evaluating the capacity, human resources, documentation, and adherence to specific standards at the facility responsible for conducting the DNA tests. This involves ensuring the use of appropriate and accurate testing equipment.
The three laboratories currently accredited to conduct DNA testing in Uganda are the Government Analytical Laboratory, the Uganda Police Forensic Laboratory in Naguru, and MBN Clinical Laboratory.