The government has kicked off the accreditation process for all laboratories preparing for DNA tests. The ministry has so far authorised DNA paternity testing at the Government Analytical Laboratory (GAL) found in Wandegeya and the MBN Clinical Laboratories found in Nakasero, both in Kampala.
During a press conference yesterday at the ministry’s office, the health minister, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, disclosed that no laboratory or facility shall ship any samples for DNA paternity testing outside the country unless special permission is obtained from the Director General of Health Services or the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST).
She stipulated that any laboratory that is prepared and wants to do DNA paternity testing can apply to the Director General of Health Services, who will form a team of experts to assess the Laboratory for certification in order to prevent any suspected fake DNA results that may cause family breakups, hence ruining children’s lives.
