By BigEyeUg Team
Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara has revealed that the majority of paternity-related DNA tests conducted through petitions during his time as Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development produced negative results, with only a small number confirming biological fatherhood.
Speaking while commenting on the recent DNA findings involving the family of the late Paul Kafeero, Barugahara said the ministry handled 250 paternity-related DNA petitions. According to him, only 12 tests confirmed that the men involved were the biological fathers of the children, while 238 showed they were not.
“When I was Minister of Gender, we conducted 250 DNA tests and out of these, 238 women had children and gave them to men who are not their fathers. That’s 238 DNA tests which found that the men were not the biological fathers of the children, and these men were struggling and being harassed every day,” Barugahara said.
He used the figures to urge men to be more cautious when dealing with paternity matters. Barugahara advised young men to take responsibility by seeking DNA testing at birth where necessary, saying it could help prevent future disputes and emotional or financial hardship.
“I am appealing to young men to zip up your pants or endeavor to take DNA tests at birth to avoid buying nappies that you shouldn’t have to,” he added.