By Annet Nakanwagi,
KAMPALA
The police has warned the public against recording children victims of DNA testing as this may traumatize them.
SCP Fred Enanga, the police Spokesperson says that as the demand for DNA testing is steadily increasing many children are falling victims of the exercise and their rights are being abused by some media practitioners and bloggers who exaggerate and portray DNA negative test results as an abomination in society by taking pictures of the heartbroken victims something which violates their rights to privacy.
“These put an alarm over the DNA results which has started affecting the privacy of children, first of all , their welfare becomes uncertain, they don’t know their future, education, housing and accommodation because their alleged fathers will not be obliged to give child support anymore.” Enanga said.
He disclosed that police have witnessed claims from victims whose results have come out negative which has evoked strong emotions with some attempting suicide , others are rebuking the children and insulting them as well as their partners.
In addition, the police spokesperson warned parents against using illegal testing medical centres noting that DNA testing centers have to be certified for transparency with the information they give to clients.
“It is important that DNA testing is performed at a reputable testing facility that is certified because such have very strict standards for testing and accuracy,” said Enanga.
He urged couples to properly prepare for paternity results or any other biological connections to their children after samples are matched.
“We have also obtained intelligence that there are some people who are carrying these DNA kits at home to carry out the tests themselves. These can be subject to contamination which can easily affect the results,” he added.
