After years of speculation, court battles, and family wrangles, the mystery surrounding the biological children of legendary Kadongo Kamu icon Paul Kafeero has finally been laid to rest.
In shocking DNA results officially released by the Uganda Police, only four out of 25 people who claimed to be Kafeero’s children have been confirmed as his biological offspring.
The four confirmed children are Thomas Kafeero Schwarzenegger, Simon Peter Kafeero, Benedicto Kafeero, and Elizabeth Nagawa.
The remaining 21 claimants, including Aroon Nagawa, Phillip, Tonny, John Mark, Meddi, Godfrey Muwanguzi, Ssendi Shafik, Katumba Eric, John Martin Kafeero, Paul Ssentongo, Kate Nalukwago, Margaret Nakafeero, Grace Nalukwago, Leticia Nalukwago, Rehema Namulindwa, Tana Birungio, Joan Mirembe, Noelena Ssali, Mukiibi Kafeero and others, were not found to be biologically related to the late musician.
The highly anticipated DNA verification exercise was conducted by the Government Analytical Laboratory under the Uganda Police Forensic Services Laboratory following a court order that allowed the exhumation of Kafeero’s remains.
Scenes of mixed emotions unfolded as the results were announced. While some of the unsuccessful claimants broke down in tears after learning the truth, the four confirmed children celebrated what they described as long-awaited justice and closure.
Officials from the Uganda Police Forensic Services Laboratory revealed that forensic experts extracted DNA samples from several parts of Kafeero’s remains, including the femoral bones, hair, jaw, and skull, before carrying out detailed DNA profiling.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Kafeero’s brother Vincent Mende thanked Minister Balaam Barugahara for supporting efforts to finally settle the matter.
Mende said the dispute had haunted the family for years and disrupted their peace, stressing that the exercise was aimed at identifying Kafeero’s genuine heirs and bringing unity rather than fueling property fights.
Family friend James Ssenkubuge urged those disappointed by the findings to remain calm and accept the results. He said the exercise was necessary to protect Kafeero’s legacy and called on families to resolve paternity issues early to avoid future conflicts.
The announcement was attended by Balaam Barugahara, who played a key role in initiating the DNA verification process during his tenure as Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
Barugahara praised the Uganda Police and the Government Analytical Laboratory for conducting the exercise professionally and pledged continued support to the four confirmed children. He also encouraged parents to use modern DNA testing services during their lifetime to prevent similar disputes.
With the matter now settled, the four confirmed children are expected to take charge of preserving their father’s estate, musical copyrights, and other related rights.
Authorities further revealed that Kafeero’s DNA profile will remain on record, allowing any future claimant to undergo verification if necessary.
Paul Kafeero, who died in 2007, remains one of Uganda’s most celebrated Kadongo Kamu musicians. Nearly two decades after his death, questions surrounding his biological children continued to trigger controversy and legal battles until the court-approved DNA exercise finally delivered answers.
