Examination of the implications of paternity testing on family relationships in Kampala Metropolitan, Uganda

Abstract

Paternity testing has become increasingly common in Uganda, yet little is known about its broader social implications. This study examines the lived experiences of individuals in the Kampala Metropolitan Area to understand how testing intersects with cultural norms, family dynamics, and institutional frameworks. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s social ecological model, the research addressed (1) what individual and socio-cultural perceptions influence paternity testing; (2) the psychological and economic implications of testing outcomes on families; and (3) ways in which the existing laws and policies, or lack thereof, shape family relationships. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews from ten (10) participants and were analyzed thematically using NVivo software. Findings show that paternity testing is not a neutral scientific procedure but a socially embedded practice with diverse consequences. While some participants described feeling relieved and reassured when the results confirmed their expectations, others experienced shock, betrayal, stigma, and long-term relational strain. Cultural and religious narratives often frame testing as morally dangerous, reinforcing patriarchal norms that disproportionately burden women. Economically, the high cost of testing created a significant barrier to conducting the test, while the results frequently reshaped financial responsibilities, sometimes leaving women and children vulnerable to further hardship. At the institutional level, weak regulation and limited counseling services exacerbated trauma and undermined trust in testing processes. The study concludes that paternity testing in Uganda provides clarity for some but trauma for many, leading to family instabilities, shaped by cultural expectations, economic inequalities, and institutional gaps. Strengthened regulation, subsidized testing costs, and integrated psychosocial support are recommended to mitigate the unexpected harm and promote family and child wellbeing and family cohesion.