Mixed reactions emerge after exhumation of Paul Job Kafeero’s remains for DNA testing

3 June 2026, 9:44 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Following the exhumation of the remains of the late Paul Job Kafeero by a team of professionals led by the Government Chief Pathologist, Dr. Moses Byaruhanga, members of the public have expressed mixed reactions to the exercise. While some welcomed the move as a necessary step toward resolving long-standing family disputes, others condemned it, arguing that the late musician’s resting place should not have been disturbed.

Rachel Kagoya (not her real name), a resident living near the burial site in Nkokonjeru, Buikwe District, said the exercise was contrary to Buganda cultural practices.

“In Buganda culture, when there is a need to remove a dead person’s body or remains from the grave, certain rituals and procedures must be performed, and I doubt whether they were observed. Such activities are traditionally carried out at night, not during the day. Therefore, I am not happy with what has happened,” she said.

Others who supported the exercise said it should serve as a lesson on the importance of family unity and proper upbringing of children. They argued that if the late musician’s children had lived harmoniously, disputes over paternity would not have escalated to this level.

Stella Nantongo, a widely known daughter of the late Kadongo Kamu singer and Pearl of Africa Music Awards winner, said the exhumation was painful but unavoidable.

“This is the last thing we wanted to happen to our father’s resting place. However, if it is the only way to resolve the issues that have been tearing the family apart, then it is good that it has happened, though it is very painful,” she said.

Speaking briefly after the exercise, Dr. Moses Byaruhanga said the exhumation was intended to bring an end to the family wrangles surrounding the late musician’s biological children.

“This definitive test will remove all doubts and anxiety regarding the true lineage of Paul Job Kafeero’s offspring. In future, anyone claiming to be a biological child of the late will be subjected to this evidence to establish the truth,” he said.

Samples collected during the exhumation were taken to the Analytical Laboratory and the Uganda Police Forensic Laboratory for detailed scientific analysis. The DNA results are expected to be released next week.

Paul Job Kafeero died on May 17, 2007, at the age of 36. His parents were Vicencio Naganga and Phiromera Nannozi, both of whom are deceased.