KAMPALA, Uganda — DNA tests conducted by police forensic experts and the Government Analytical Laboratory have confirmed that only four out of 25 individuals claiming to be children of the late Kadongo Kamu music icon Paul Job Kafeero are biologically related to the celebrated musician.
The results were officially released on Thursday at the Police Forensic Directorate in Naguru by Police Forensic Director AIGP Andrew Mubiru and Government Analytical Laboratory Director Kepher Kuchana Kateu. The event was attended by Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara.
The announcement marked a major milestone in a long-running family dispute surrounding the estate and lineage of the late Kadongo Kamu star. By mid-morning, the forensic facility was crowded with individuals claiming to be Kafeero’s children, relatives of the late musician, and members of Uganda’s entertainment industry awaiting the highly anticipated results.
The DNA testing exercise was initiated earlier this month following escalating disagreements over Kafeero’s inheritance and paternity claims. The dispute prompted government intervention, with Minister Balaam Barugahara proposing the exhumation of the musician’s remains before obtaining a court order to facilitate the scientific verification process.
While presenting the findings, Government Analytical Laboratory Director Kepher Kuchana Kateu emphasized the reliability of the results, noting that both laboratories followed identical scientific procedures and independently reached the same conclusions.
“Science does not lie. We have conducted these tests for many years and helped resolve numerous family disputes. The results are now final, and we hope this matter can finally be laid to rest,” Kateu said.
According to the findings, only four individuals were confirmed as biological children of the late Paul Job Kafeero. They are Benedict Kafeero, Simon Peter Kafeero, Tomas Kafeero, commonly known as Swazi, and Elizabeth Nagawa.
The announcement sparked emotional reactions among those present, with several unsuccessful claimants breaking down in tears after learning the outcome.
The 21 individuals whose DNA profiles did not match that of the late musician include Eron Kafeero, Phillip Kafeero, Tony Kafeero, John Mark Kafeero, Meddie Kafeero, Godfrey Kafeero, Godfrey Muwanguzi, Shafick Ssendi, Eric Katumba, John Martin Kafeero, Paul Ssentongo, Ketty Nalukwago, Margret Nakafeero, Stella Nagawa, Grace Nalukwago, Leticia Nalukwago, Lehemah Namulindwa, Joan Mirembe, Norlina Nassali, Stella Nantongo, and Stephen Mukibi.
Minister Balaam Barugahara revealed that nearly 30 individuals had initially presented themselves as Kafeero’s children, but five failed to complete the DNA sampling process. He also noted that the four confirmed children had previously been identified through earlier DNA tests, although those findings were disputed by some family members at the time.
The minister said the newly released results will be presented before the Mengo Court to update official records and strengthen the confirmed heirs’ legal claim to the late musician’s estate.
Paul Job Kafeero, widely known as the “Prince of Kadongo Kamu,” died in 2007. He remains one of Uganda’s most influential and celebrated musicians, remembered for his timeless contribution to the country’s traditional music industry and cultural heritage.
