Minister Balaam Barugahara, funded and oversaw DNA testing to resolve long-standing paternity claims regarding the late Kadongo Kamu music legend Paul Job Kafeero, who died in 2007. Kafeero’s estate and legacy have sparked disputes for years, with dozens of people claiming to be his biological children and seeking shares of his inheritance, recognition, or support. Balaam, a self-described friend and promoter of the artist, took the initiative to exhume samples from Kafeero’s remains and test them against claimants (around 25 participated). Local labs including MBN Laboratory, Police Forensic Laboratory, and the Government Analytical Laboratory confirmed only four as biological children (three sons and one daughter). This outcome surprised many due to physical resemblances among some non-matches, leading to public skepticism and debates, including online exchanges with Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa. In response to the backlash and calls for greater transparency (including from figures like Mama Phina and Gen. David Sejusa), Minister Balaam announced he would send the DNA samples abroad for independent confirmatory testing, specifically mentioning facilities in South Africa or the United Kingdom. This direction aims to build public confidence in the results, counter accusations of local bias or tampering, and provide definitive closure on the matter. South Africa has advanced forensic and genetic testing capabilities with reputable international-standard labs often used for cross-border verifications in Africa; the UK offers similar high-trust independent expertise. Balaam noted support from Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for this step, framing it as a commitment to truth and fairness for Kafeero’s true heirs, the family, and the public. It also aligns with his broader efforts to honor Kafeero’s legacy, such as reconstructing the grave for heritage tourism. The move reflects a pragmatic response to cultural and social sensitivities around paternity, inheritance, and celebrity legacies in Uganda. Local tests followed scientific protocols, but perceptions of potential influence or error necessitated external validation. This approach helps protect the confirmed children’s rights while offering rejected claimants clarity and government-proposed alternatives like forming a SACCO for support, reducing future disputes over Kafeero’s estate and image. SOURCE: Monitor, NewVision - @officialmedia_ug