By Nathan Eyagu 

KAMPALA — A long-running paternity dispute involving the family of legendary Kadongo Kamu musician Paul Job Kafeero has finally been resolved after DNA testing confirmed that only four of the 25 individuals who claimed to be his biological children are genetically related to the late singer.

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

The DNA verification exercise was conducted following a court order that allowed the exhumation of Kafeero's remains to obtain genetic samples for comparison with those of individuals who had claimed to be his children over the years.

According to the forensic findings, the four individuals confirmed as Paul Kafeero's biological children are Thomas Kafeero Schwarzenegger, Simon Peter Kafeero, Benedicto Kafeero, and Elizabeth Nagawa.

The remaining 21 participants who submitted DNA samples were not confirmed to be biologically related to the late music icon.

The announcement was witnessed by Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara, who initiated the DNA verification process during his tenure as Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development. The exercise was supervised by Director of Police Forensics Andrew Mubiru and Director of the Government Analytical Laboratory Kepher Kuchana Kateu, who emphasized the role of forensic science in resolving family and inheritance disputes.

Officials described the exercise as a major step toward establishing the truth and bringing closure to a matter that had generated public interest for many years. They noted that DNA analysis remains the most reliable scientific method for determining biological relationships.

The announcement triggered emotional reactions among those present. While the four confirmed children welcomed the findings, several unsuccessful claimants were visibly distraught, with some breaking into tears after learning they were not biologically related to the celebrated musician.

Speaking on behalf of the Kafeero family, the late singer's brother, Vincent Mende, thanked Minister Barugahara for supporting the verification process.

He said the exercise was intended to restore harmony within the family and provide certainty regarding Kafeero's lineage, stressing that it was not meant to fuel disputes over the late musician's estate.

Family friend James Ssenkubuge also appealed for calm, urging those disappointed by the outcome to accept the scientific findings with dignity. He added that the experience should serve as a reminder to families to make proper legal and family arrangements while still alive to avoid similar disputes in the future.

Minister Barugahara commended the Uganda Police and the Government Analytical Laboratory for conducting what he described as a transparent and professional forensic exercise, saying the results had finally settled years of speculation surrounding the celebrated artist's family.

Widely regarded as one of Uganda's greatest Kadongo Kamu musicians, Paul Job Kafeero remains a towering figure in the country's music history. His storytelling, cultural influence and timeless songs continue to inspire generations of Ugandans decades after his passing.

With the DNA results now officially confirmed, attention is expected to shift toward preserving Kafeero's rich musical legacy while the four verified children assume their place as his recognized biological heirs.