Nearly 20 years after his death, Ugandan music legend Paul Job Kafeero's body was exhumed for DNA testing to settle a long-running inheritance dispute. The results confirmed only four of 25 claimants were his biological children.
Exhumation and DNA Testing
Kafeero, one of Uganda's most celebrated Kadongo Kamu musicians, died in 2007 at age 36, leaving a multi-billion Ugandan shilling estate including land, houses, and music royalties. He died without a will, sparking disputes as dozens claimed to be his children.
After years of legal battles, a Ugandan court authorized exhumation to obtain direct DNA samples. The exhumation occurred on June 1, 2026, supervised by Government Chief Pathologist Dr. Moses Byaruhanga. Bone and tissue samples (femur, jaw, skull, hair) were analyzed by the Government Analytical Laboratory and Uganda Police Forensic Services Laboratory.
Results Announced
Results announced June 25 at Uganda Police Headquarters in Naguru confirmed only four biological children: Simon Peter Kafeero, Elizabeth Nagawa, Thomas Kafeero (Schwarz), and Benedict (Benedicto) Kafeero (Dube). The remaining 21 claimants were excluded.
Acting Assistant Inspector General of Police Andrew Mubiru presented findings, stating the forensic results provide a definitive basis for determining rightful heirs. Officials from the Government Analytical Laboratory said, "Science does not lie," urging the family to end the dispute.
Previous Tests and Reactions
The DNA exercise confirmed a 2019 test that identified the same four children, but that earlier analysis relied on indirect comparisons rather than direct samples from Kafeero's remains, leading to court challenges and the exhumation.
The announcement sparked emotional scenes in Kampala, with some unsuccessful claimants breaking down in tears. Some excluded claimants said they would challenge the results legally.
The findings are expected to play a crucial role in administering Kafeero's estate, determining legal heirs to his assets and music royalties, ending a dispute that has lingered for nearly 20 years after his death.
