Full list: Only 4 Confirmed Out of 25 as Paul Kafeero’s Biological Children After DNA Testing

The long-running uncertainty surrounding the biological children of legendary Ugandan Kadongo Kamu musician Paul Kafeero has finally been resolved after DNA tests confirmed that only four out of 25 claimants are his biological children.

The results were officially released on Thursday at the Uganda Police Headquarters in Naguru by officials from the Government Analytical Laboratory and the Uganda Police Forensic Services Laboratory.

The DNA verification process was conducted following a court order that authorized the exhumation of Kafeero’s remains. Samples obtained from the late singer’s body were compared with those of individuals who had claimed to be his children.

According to the findings, the four people confirmed to be Kafeero’s biological children are Thomas Kafeero Schwarzenegger, Simon Peter Kafeero, Benedicto Kafeero, and Elizabeth Nagawa.

The remaining 21 individuals who participated in the exercise were not found to be biologically related to the late musician.

Those who submitted samples included Thomas Kafeero, Simon Peter Kafeero, John Kafeero, Benedicto Kafeero, Aroon Nagawa, Elizabeth 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.

The announcement was attended by Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara, who played a key role in initiating the DNA verification process while serving as Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development.

Emotions ran high as the results were revealed. Some of those who were not confirmed as Kafeero’s biological children were visibly devastated and broke down in tears, while the four confirmed children welcomed the outcome with relief and celebration.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Kafeero’s brother Vincent Mende expressed gratitude to Minister Barugahara for helping bring closure to the matter.

He said the issue had remained unresolved for years and had affected the family’s peace, adding that the exercise was intended to unite Kafeero’s genuine family members rather than create disputes over property.

Family friend James Ssenkubuge also appealed for calm among those disappointed by the results. He said the exercise was conducted in the interest of preserving Kafeero’s legacy and urged families to address such matters early to avoid similar disputes in the future.

Barugahara thanked the Uganda Police and the Government Analytical Laboratory for their work in carrying out the exercise. He pledged continued support for the four confirmed children and said government development programs would remain available to others as well.

He also encouraged parents to resolve questions of paternity during their lifetime, noting that modern DNA testing services are widely available and can help prevent future family conflicts.

Officials from the Uganda Police Forensic Services Laboratory explained that the DNA analysis was carried out under a court-approved process. Samples were collected from several parts of Kafeero’s remains, including femoral bones, hair, the jaw and the skull, before forensic experts conducted DNA profiling.

Authorities further noted that Kafeero’s DNA profile will remain on record, allowing any future claimant to undergo testing if necessary.

Following the release of the results, Barugahara called on the four confirmed children to take responsibility for managing and preserving their late father’s estate.

Paul Kafeero, who passed away in 2007, remains one of Uganda’s most celebrated Kadongo Kamu artists. Despite his death nearly two decades ago, questions about his biological children continued to spark debate and legal battles, ultimately leading to the court-approved DNA testing exercise that has now brought the matter to a close.