In a surprising turn of events, an increasing number of men in Uganda are seeking to change their passport details after DNA tests revealed that they are not the biological fathers of the children listed on their passports, according to the Internal Affairs Ministry.
The Ministry has reported that at least 35 men have approached them with requests to remove their names from the passport system.
The individuals in question had initially applied for passports, providing details of their families, including their wives and children. However, after undergoing DNA tests, they discovered that the children listed on their passports were not biologically related to them. This revelation has prompted them to take action and request the removal of their names from the passport system.
Mundeyi, a representative from the Internal Affairs Ministry, confirmed the increasing number of inquiries.
"We have received at least 35 men who are requesting to expunge their details from our passport system. These Ugandans originally applied for passports and came with their families, including wives and children with details of mother and father indicated in the system. However, along the way, they carried out DNA tests and realized that the details indicated in the passport don't belong to them."
The Internal Affairs Ministry has also reported receiving numerous calls daily from individuals seeking similar changes to their passport details. However, the spokesperson for the Internal Affairs Ministry emphasized that such requests can only be addressed by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), which holds the primary data used in the passport system.
"I want to advise those men to begin with NIRA, maybe with DNA results, and they (NIRA) will be able to change those details. After that, they can head to the passport office to have them changed. However, we shall not change the details at the passport office without having gone through NIRA, which is the holder of the primary data." The spokesperson stated.
This recent development coincides with a surge in the number of men seeking DNA services to determine the paternity of their children. The Internal Affairs Ministry revealed earlier this month that the demand for DNA services has increased by a staggering 70%.
The impact of this revelation extends beyond the general public. Even prominent individuals have been affected. Recently, a well-known businessman in Kampala was shocked to discover through a DNA test that several of the children he had been caring for were not biologically related to him.
In addition, lawyer Male Mabirizi, based in Kampala, successfully obtained a court order to conduct DNA tests on all his siblings. This action was taken as part of efforts to resolve a family dispute concerning his late father's estate.
As more men undergo DNA tests and discover the truth about their biological relationships with their children, it remains to be seen how the authorities will handle the growing demand for changes in passport details. The collaboration between the Internal Affairs Ministry and NIRA will be crucial in addressing these requests and ensuring accurate representation in official documents.
