Police Exhume Paulo Kafeero’s Remains to Resolve Family Parentage Dispute

By Skika Reporter.

Police on Monday supervised the exhumation of the remains of legendary Kadongo Kamu musician Paulo Kafeero in Busansula Village, Mukono District, as part of efforts to resolve a long-running dispute over the parentage of some of his children.

The highly sensitive exercise was conducted under heavy security deployment, with police officers sealing off access routes leading to Kafeero’s gravesite to prevent disruptions and maintain order during the operation.

The exhumation follows a court petition by several of Kafeero’s children seeking DNA testing to establish biological relationships and settle disagreements that have fueled years of family conflict over inheritance and property ownership.

By the time journalists arrived at the family compound, officials had already opened the grave and a coffin containing Kafeero’s remains. Personnel from RHINO Company, contracted to manage the process, carefully retrieved bone samples for DNA analysis.

The atmosphere remained tense throughout the exercise, reflecting the deep divisions that have emerged within the family nearly two decades after the celebrated musician’s death.

Residents of Nkokonjeru and neighboring communities expressed mixed reactions to the exhumation. While some supported the move as necessary to establish the truth and restore harmony, others described it as a painful disturbance of the late musician’s final resting place.

Several residents accused one of Kafeero’s sons, identified as Swazi, of contributing to the family wrangles through alleged unilateral decisions regarding family property.

Some family members claim that portions of Kafeero’s land were sold without the consent of all beneficiaries, allegations that have become central to the ongoing inheritance disputes.

“Swazi promised to develop Kafeero’s property and build a house in his honor, but nothing has been done,” one resident said.

Despite the controversy surrounding the exhumation, emotions ran high as some residents who were later allowed near the gravesite paid tribute by singing several of Kafeero’s popular songs, celebrating the enduring legacy of a musician whose work remains influential in Uganda’s cultural history.

Joseph Luzige, who chairs a group representing Kafeero’s children, said the family had exhausted all other avenues before agreeing to exhume the remains.

“No one wanted to exhume Paulo Kafeero,” Luzige said. “But we believe this is the only way to permanently resolve the disputes that have affected our family for years. Once the DNA results are available, we can begin addressing issues related to inheritance and property ownership.”

Abubaker Nende, another family member, said they had sought assistance from authorities to facilitate the process and ensure transparency.

“We encountered several challenges along the way, but we are prepared to accept the results of the DNA tests regardless of the outcome,” Nende said. “Our goal is to establish the truth and find justice for everyone involved.”

Busansula Village LC1 Chairperson Alozious Kasimagwa welcomed the exercise, expressing hope that it would bring lasting peace to the family and the wider community.

“This matter has divided the family and caused tension for many years. We hope the DNA findings will finally provide answers and allow everyone to move forward,” he said.

Dr. Moses Byaruhanga, Director of Health Services at the Uganda Police Force, confirmed that the exhumation was conducted under a police order issued after consultations and agreement between the concerned parties.

According to Dr. Byaruhanga, biological samples have been collected and submitted to both police and government laboratories for analysis.

“There was no quicker or more reliable scientific method available to resolve the questions surrounding biological parentage,” he said. “DNA testing provides conclusive evidence and will help establish the facts.”

The DNA results are expected to be released on Tuesday. Family members say the findings could play a critical role in settling disputes over inheritance, land ownership, and family recognition.

Paulo Kafeero, who died in 2007, is widely regarded as one of Uganda’s greatest Kadongo Kamu musicians. Renowned for his distinctive voice and socially conscious music, Kafeero produced numerous songs that resonated with ordinary Ugandans and earned him a lasting place in the country’s musical heritage.

However, in the years since his death, family disputes over property and succession have frequently overshadowed his legacy.

Monday’s exhumation represents a significant and emotional step in efforts to resolve those disputes, as relatives seek definitive answers that could finally bring closure to one of the most contentious family battles surrounding a prominent Ugandan cultural icon