Meet Benon Karebere, Man Who Once Claimed to Be President Museveni’s Son

For years, Ugandans have known Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as the country’s First Son. However, in 2017, a little-known man from Bulenga made headlines after publicly declaring that he too was a biological son of the President.

The man, Benon Karebere, then aged 40, appeared on Radio Simba and shared a story that quickly attracted national attention. Karebere insisted that he was not merely making a claim but was convinced that President Museveni was his father.

At the time, Karebere said he had spent years trying to gain recognition from the President and his family. He explained that he was living in difficult circumstances and hoped to finally meet the man he referred to as “daddy.”

According to Karebere, he was born in Ntungamo in January 1977. He alleged that his mother had a relationship with Museveni during the period when the future president was involved in military activities linked to the conflict in Tanzania.

Karebere claimed that he only learned the identity of his father in 2000 while caring for his ailing mother. He said that after years of hearing rumors about his parentage, he confronted her and asked why he was different from his siblings.

He alleged that his mother then revealed that Museveni was his biological father. Although she later passed away, Karebere said her revelation sparked a long personal journey to seek answers and recognition.

Living in a modest home in Bulenga, Karebere said life had become increasingly difficult. He worked as a bicycle repairer, but business declined as motorcycles became the preferred means of transport. Financial struggles eventually forced him to send his wife and daughters back to the village.

One of the details that drew public attention was his national identification registration form, where he reportedly listed “Kaguta Yoweri Museveni” as his father, with State House in Entebbe indicated as the residence.

Karebere also pointed to what he believed was a physical resemblance between himself and the President. He said many people who met him had commented on similarities in appearance and mannerisms.

Over the years, he claimed to have written numerous letters to senior government and military officials, including President Museveni’s brother, Salim Saleh, seeking assistance and an opportunity to meet the President.

He further alleged that security personnel and individuals close to the President had occasionally engaged with him regarding his claims. However, he said he never received a definitive answer about his paternity.

Karebere also claimed that DNA-related samples were at one point collected from him, although he said he was never informed of any results.

Despite the uncertainty, he maintained his belief that Museveni was his father and repeatedly appealed for help. He said his main desire was not wealth, but recognition and support.

In emotional interviews at the time, Karebere appealed directly to the President, saying he wanted the same love and care that any child would hope to receive from a parent. He also requested land and assistance to improve his living conditions.

His story generated widespread public debate, with many Ugandans questioning the validity of his claims while others sympathized with his difficult circumstances.

To date, no publicly verified evidence has been presented confirming Karebere’s allegation that President Museveni is his biological father. Nevertheless, his story remains one of the most unusual and widely discussed personal claims involving Uganda’s long-serving leader.