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Was this chaos necessary? Heavy security was deployed in Busansula Village on Monday as police supervised the exhumation of the remains of legendary Ugandan musician Paulo Kafeero in an effort to resolve a long-standing dispute over the paternity of some of his children.
The exercise follows a court-sanctioned petition by a section of Kafeero’s children seeking DNA tests to establish their biological relationship with the late Kadongo Kamu icon, whose estate has been the subject of years of family wrangles.
By the time Uganda Radio Network arrived at the burial site, police had sealed off all access routes leading to Kafeero’s grave, allowing only authorized individuals to enter the area. The tight security was intended to prevent disruptions and maintain order amid opposition from some residents and family members.
Inside the family compound, officials from RHINO Company, which was contracted to conduct the exhumation, carefully retrieved skeletal remains from the coffin for DNA sampling. The operation unfolded under the watch of police officers, health officials, and selected family representatives.
The exhumation stirred mixed emotions among residents of Nkokonjeru and surrounding communities. While some welcomed the process as necessary to settle long-running disputes, others viewed it as a violation of the musician’s final resting place.
Several residents blamed the ongoing conflict on disagreements among Kafeero’s children, particularly over the management and disposal of family property.
Cate Nakajja and Yasin Kisekka, long-time residents of the area, accused one of Kafeero’s sons, Swazi, of deepening divisions within the family. They alleged that he sold portions of family land without the consent of other beneficiaries and failed to fulfill commitments to develop property associated with the late musician.
Some family members further claim that as much as 26 acres of Kafeero’s land were sold and that the proceeds were used to finance court battles arising from the inheritance dispute.
Despite the controversy, emotions ran high when some residents were later allowed near the gravesite. Several broke into renditions of Kafeero’s popular songs, paying tribute to the musician whose music continues to resonate with generations of Ugandans.
Joseph Luzige, who heads a group representing some of Kafeero’s children, said the decision to exhume their father’s remains was difficult but necessary.
“No one wanted to exhume Paulo Kafeero,” Luzige said. “But we believe this is the only way to bring these disputes to an end. Once the DNA process is completed, we can begin addressing issues relating to the family estate.”
Abubaker Nende, one of the younger children, said the family sought government intervention after efforts to resolve the matter internally failed.
“We encountered many challenges along the way, but we are prepared to accept the outcome of the DNA test regardless of the results,” Nende said. “What we want is clarity and justice.”
Busansula Village LC1 Chairperson Alozious Kasimagwa condemned the persistent infighting among Kafeero’s children but supported the exhumation process, expressing hope that it would help restore harmony within the family.
“This process may be painful, but it will help bring peace to both the family and the community,” Kasimagwa said.
Dr. Moses Byaruhanga, Director of Health Services at Uganda Police Force, confirmed that the exhumation was conducted following agreement by the parties involved and authorization by the relevant authorities.
He said samples had been collected and submitted to both police and government laboratories for analysis.
“There was no other reliable and faster way of resolving the matter,” Dr. Byaruhanga said. “DNA testing remains the most scientific and conclusive method of establishing biological relationships.”
The results of the DNA tests are expected on Tuesday and are anticipated to play a key role in resolving disputes over inheritance, land ownership, and the legitimacy of beneficiaries to Kafeero’s estate.
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, he left behind a rich musical legacy that continues to influence the country’s entertainment industry.
For his family, however, the exhumation marks a significant and emotional step toward resolving years of conflict that have overshadowed that legacy.
, https://eastafricanwatch.net/police-exhume-paulo-kafeeros-body-to-solve-children-parentage-disputes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=police-exhume-paulo-kafeeros-body-to-solve-children-parentage-disputes
