Fact-Check: Viral Video Claiming Uganda Is Launching Mandatory Newborn DNA Screening Is False

A poster circulating on social media claims that the Ministry of Health is set to roll out a nationwide mandatory newborn screening for paternity DNA, allegedly to be launched on February 9, 2026, with Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng listed as the chief guest.

However, the claim is false, the DisMis Fake News Desk has verified.

The poster, which purports to be from the Ministry of Health, suggests that all newborns in Uganda will undergo mandatory DNA screening for paternity verification under a new government programme.

The Ministry of Health has categorically dismissed the claim, describing the viral post as fake and misleading.

The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dr Diana Atwine, also addressed the misinformation, urging the public not to panic and confirming that the poster was manipulated.

According to Dr Atwine, the original Ministry communication related to the launch of routine sickle cell disease screening, a long-established public health intervention, and not DNA or paternity testing.

Consequently, the claim that Uganda is introducing mandatory newborn DNA or paternity testing is false. The Ministry of Health has confirmed that the poster was photoshopped and that no such policy or programme exists.

Members of the public are advised to verify health-related information through official Ministry of Health channels and trusted media outlets before sharing.