Why is paternity testing causing controversy in Uganda?

Published: July 25, 2023, 1 a.m.

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To test or not to test?

In Uganda, a series of high profile paternity cases has led to a very animated public discussion about whether men should do DNA tests to find out if all their children are really their own. And if they find they aren\'t, should that change their relationship with that child, and their responsibility for them?

In response, the Ugandan government has warned people to beware home tests and unregulated businesses - saying men would be better to focus on raising their children the best they can.

For today\'s #AfricaDaily, Alan Kasujja gets opinions from a number of residents of Kampala - and speaks to Uganda\'s director for public health, as well as to a lawyer about the legal rights of all involved.

"For many years we\'ve had men bringing children born out of wedlock, say \'this is our other child. We have to take care of this other child born of another woman\'. So this DNA testing and the revelation that a woman can actually have an adulterous relationship and have another child and conceive it among the other children is rocking the patriarchal table."

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