A dramatic online exchange between the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, and the Minister for Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, has gripped Ugandans on X (UOX) following shocking DNA results regarding the lineage of the late Kadongo Kamu music icon, Prince Job Paul Kafeero.
The definitive scientific findings, released by the Uganda Police Forensic Directorate on Thursday, June 25, 2026, revealed that out of 25 individuals claiming to be Kafeero’s biological children, only four are his actual offspring.
The stunning revelation has not only upended a two-decade-long multi-billion estate battle but has also triggered a profound national debate on genetics, facial resemblances, and paternal trust.
Reacting to the sweeping disqualification of 21 claimants-many of whom bear a striking physical resemblance to the late Walumbe Zaaya singer-Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa took to social media to express his disbelief. He questioned whether the late singer’s brothers should also be tested to verify if another family member fathered the rejected children.
“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 comrade Atenyi,” Tayebwa posted on X, addressing Minister Barugahara. “Total closure of this matter is needed especially for those children who are total photocopies of the late. Who fathered them? I trust you on handling such complicated matters and I’m sure you will handle.”
Minister Barugahara, who heavily stepped in to coordinate and fund the costly forensic exercise, swiftly countered the Deputy Speaker’s skepticism. He defended the rigorous nature of the scientific process, noting that multiple elite institutions had verified the findings.
“Better, my brother Rt. Hon. @Thomas_Tayebwa,” Balaam replied. “Three independent laboratories have confirmed this fact-not just one: MBN Laboratory, Police Forensic Laboratory, and the Government Analytical Laboratory. These are verified findings. However, the late Paul sang a song that many should listen to carefully and reflect upon.”
Unconvinced by the absolute finality of the laboratory reports, Tayebwa jokingly noted that the outcome creates an existential worry for many children across the country.
“I do not doubt science but if this gentleman is not Paul Kafeero’s son then we might need to do DNA of our parents when they’re still alive. Cheeiiiii!!!” Tayebwa fired back.
The highly anticipated results were unveiled on Thursday afternoon at the Police Headquarters in Naguru. Tensions ran high as dozens of claimants, family members, and legal stakeholders gathered in a hushed room to hear the definitive scientific findings.
Reading the results, the Director of Forensic Services for the Uganda Police Force, Acting Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Andrew Mubiru, announced that a staggering 21 claimants had been scientifically excluded.
According to the official forensic report, only the following four individuals share a biological match with the late maestro:
Simon Peter Kafeero
Elizabeth Nagawa
Thomas Swazi Kafeero (Schwarz)
Benedict Kafeero (Dube)
“Science does not lie,” AIGP Mubiru noted during the briefing. “These forensic results provide an indisputable, legal framework to finally establish the rightful heirs to Kafeero’s name and estate.”
The massive DNA verification exercise was conducted under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development. Key officials overseeing the process included Minister Barugahara and the Director of the Government Analytical Laboratory, Kepher Kuchana Kateu.
Paul Job Kafeero, who tragically passed away in 2007 at the age of 36, remains one of the most influential and celebrated figures in the history of Ugandan music. Renowned for his deep storytelling, mastery of the acoustic guitar, and timeless hits like Buladina, his music still enjoys massive airplay and generates substantial royalties.
However, because Kafeero died intestate (without a valid will), his vast musical catalog, intellectual property, and extensive land holdings became the center of bitter family feuds. Over the last two decades, the number of individuals claiming to be his children grew exponentially, stalling the distribution of his estate.
The scientific breakthrough follows a dramatic turn of events when the remains of the music icon were exhumed from his resting place in Buikwe District following a strict court order. The exhumation was necessary to obtain viable bone and tissue samples for accurate comparative testing.
Government Chief Pathologist, Dr. Moses Byaruhanga, who oversaw the sensitive procedure, defended the decision as a necessary measure to put an end to years of internal family rancour.
Earlier, Stella Nantongo, one of Kafeero’s widely acknowledged children, expressed the emotional weight the family carried throughout the process, describing the exhumation as a painful but unavoidable step.
“This is the last thing we wanted to happen to our father’s resting place,” Nantongo said. “But if it is the only way to solve the underlying issues tearing the family apart, then it is good that it has been done.”
Away from the public disputes, much of Kafeero’s physical estate has gradually disappeared over the years. According to administrators, several houses the singer once owned in Kawuku, Lweza, Namuwongo, Maganjo, and Entebbe were sold off during the early years after his death.
“We sold off the Kajjansi house under pressure and duress from the family,” Thomas Kafeero Schwarz told Monitor. Schwarz was only 14 when his father died. On January 30, 2025, letters of administration over Kafeero’s estate were officially granted to him and Elizabeth Nagawa.
For the administrators, the focus is now moving toward preserving Kafeero’s real inheritance: his music. Through the Prince Job Paul Kafeero Cultural Heritage Foundation, led by executive director and legal adviser Derrick Fredrick Namakajjo, efforts are underway to formally protect and catalog at least 71 songs connected to the maestro.
While the family conflict and the political exchanges between Tayebwa and Balaam continue to generate national headlines, the long-running feud over the legendary crooner’s lineage has finally reached its scientific endgame.