The Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Rwanda (CEJP) has called for DNA testing to be made more affordable or provided for free, especially for teenage mothers who become pregnant and whose children are denied recognition by the fathers. The call was made during a meeting held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, which brought together government and non-government organizations as well as journalists to discuss challenges facing teenage mothers and their children, particularly when the fathers refuse to acknowledge responsibility.
Father Valens Niragire, Secretary General of CEJP, said that the high cost of DNA tests is a major barrier for teenage mothers and their children. He stated:
“We want to raise our voice to highlight this pressing issue affecting teenage mothers and their children, especially as DNA tests are very expensive. Every child has the right to know their origins. That is why we are asking for the cost of these tests to be significantly reduced or offered for free to families in need.”
Father Niragire also emphasized the psychological impact on children who do not know their biological parents:
“A child begins learning to speak starting with Papa and Mama. If the child sees only Mama and not Papa, it creates confusion and emotional distress. That is why we must work together to find a lasting solution to this problem.”
Uwamahoro Leoncia, a young mother who gave birth as a teenager, shared her struggle in accessing DNA services, saying they would have helped her identify the father of her child:
“I have a child, but I do not know the father because he denied responsibility. It is painful because I cannot afford DNA testing. If support were provided to make this easier, it would help our children at least know their origins and have a sense of belonging.”
On the government side, Madamu Gahongayire Myriam, Director General in charge of bringing justice services closer to citizens at the Ministry of Justice (MINIJUST), said that 48 Isange One Stop Centers support victims of abuse and provide free DNA testing for those who cannot afford it. She explained:
“Some are assisted to access DNA testing at no cost, especially those who demonstrate financial hardship through local government documentation, and if necessary, tests can be conducted through legal proceedings.”
MINIJUST will continue advocacy to ensure that services for victims, especially vulnerable populations, are provided free of charge.
DNA Testing Costs at Rwanda Forensic Institute (RFI) – 2025:
Rapid test (24 hours): 142,645 Frw for Rwandans, 171,174 Frw for foreigners
Standard test (7 days): 89,010 Frw for Rwandans, 106,812 Frw for foreigners
Currently, no insurance coverage is available, making these costs a barrier for many families.
CEJP urges sustainable reforms to ensure that children born to teenage mothers know their origins, contributing to the fight against gender-based violence and preventing fathers from avoiding legal responsibility
