Politics 26 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa's DNA Skepticism Sparks Debate on Kafeero's Legacy
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa expressed shock at the DNA results confirming only four of 25 claimants as the late musician Paul Kafeero's children, questioning the science and suggesting further tests on Kafeero's brothers. Minister Balaam Barugahara defended the robust scientific process. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/deputy-speaker-tayebwa-shocked-by-kafeero-dna-verdict-as-minister-balaam-defends-science-5509906
The Uganda Police Forensic Directorate has delivered definitive DNA results, confirming only four out of 25 individuals who claimed to be the biological children of the late Kadongo Kamu star Paul Kafeero are indeed his offspring. This scientific revelation brings a 20-year multi-billion estate battle closer to resolution but has also ignited a national discussion on genetics and paternity.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, voiced his astonishment on social media, particularly noting the strong facial resemblances between many excluded claimants and the late singer. He provocatively suggested that DNA tests should extend to Kafeero’s brothers to address the perceived similarities, tweeting, “I propose we go ahead and do DNA with the rest of Kafeero’s brothers to close this chapter. Otherwise that resemblance cannot be wished away.”
Minister for Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, who spearheaded the funding and coordination of the extensive forensic exercise, defended the scientific integrity of the findings. He emphasized that the results were corroborated by three independent, elite laboratories: MBN Laboratory, the Police Forensic Laboratory, and the Government Analytical Laboratory.
“Three independent laboratories have confirmed this fact—not just one,” Minister Barugahara responded, urging reflection on Kafeero’s own music. Despite the scientific consensus, Deputy Speaker Tayebwa humorously remarked on the potential existential crisis the results might create for many children across Uganda.
The exhumation of Paul Kafeero’s remains from his burial site in Buikwe District was a critical step in obtaining accurate samples for the DNA analysis, a procedure overseen by Government Chief Pathologist, Dr. Moses Byaruhanga, aimed at ending long-standing family disputes.
The confirmed heirs are Simon Peter Kafeero, Elizabeth Nagawa, Thomas Swazi Kafeero (Schwarz), and Benedict Kafeero (Dube). While the legal battle over the estate continues, efforts are also underway to preserve Kafeero’s musical legacy through the Prince Job Paul Kafeero Cultural Heritage Foundation.
This extensive DNA verification exercise was conducted under the joint supervision of the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development. The findings were announced by Acting Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Andrew Mubiru, Director of Forensic Services for the Uganda Police Force.