Musician Deus Ndugwa, popularly known as Grenade, has publicly claimed that he is the biological son of the late Kadongo Kamu icon Prince Paul Job Kafeero as DNA testing continues in a long-running paternity and inheritance dispute involving more than 20 individuals claiming to be the musician’s children.
In a video shared on social media on Sunday, Grenade said he could no longer remain silent amid the controversy surrounding Kafeero’s estate and the recent exhumation of the late singer’s remains for DNA sampling.
The singer criticised the decision to exhume Kafeero’s body, saying it had embarrassed the late musician and damaged his legacy.
He also announced that he would undergo DNA testing as part of the process aimed at determining the biological relationships of those claiming descent from Kafeero.
“I am Ndugwa Kafeero, popularly known as Grenade Official, the name that ends with Paul, Grenade Official Paul. For all this time, I have remained silent, but I know who my father is. Because of everything that is happening, his remains were exhumed, embarrassing him and tarnishing his reputation,” he said.
“I have decided to come forward and take a DNA test. Whoever was involved in this will have to explain why you chose to shame my father simply because of land and money. The real Kafeero is coming. I remain Grenade Official Paul Ndugwa Kafeero.”
His remarks come days after Kafeero’s remains were exhumed on June 1 under a court order to facilitate DNA sampling in a dispute over the administration of the musician’s estate and the identification of lawful beneficiaries.
The exercise was overseen by Local Government minister-designate Balaam Barugahara, who said the exhumation and collection of samples were conducted by a team of pathologists led by Assistant Inspector General of Police Dr Moses Byaruhanga in accordance with a court order and established forensic procedures.
Samples collected during the exercise have since been submitted to the Government Analytical Laboratory and the Uganda Police Forensic Laboratory for analysis to determine biological relationships among the claimants.
Court records before the Family Division of the High Court indicate that dozens of individuals petitioned the court against four respondents, including the Administrator General, seeking resolution of inheritance matters connected to Kafeero’s estate.
The dispute has its roots in events following Kafeero’s death in 2007. Family members reportedly entrusted the late Ssalongo Vincent Wasswa Nanganga, popularly known as Umar, with securing letters of administration for the estate.
However, he died before completing the process, leaving several key issues unresolved.
Efforts to conduct DNA testing have faced repeated delays over the years. In 2021, forensic experts reportedly advised that family disputes be resolved first before undertaking such a sensitive exercise.
In 2022, some of Kafeero’s children petitioned the court seeking permission to exhume his remains and conduct DNA testing to conclusively determine the biological relationships of those claiming to be his offspring.
The June 1 exhumation generated mixed reactions among residents of Busansula Village in Nkokonjeru Town Council, Buikwe District, where the late musician was buried.
While some residents welcomed the court-ordered exercise as a necessary step towards resolving the dispute, others expressed discomfort with the decision to exhume the remains and questioned the circumstances that led to the move.
Tensions within the extended family have also continued to play out publicly, with disagreements over property ownership, land use and memorial activities organised in honour of the late singer.
During interactions with journalists, some of Kafeero’s children, led by Stellah Nantongo, pointed to sections of land that formerly belonged to the musician and alleged that portions of the 26-acre estate had been sold or distributed amid internal disagreements.
They further claimed that only about four acres of the original estate remain and alleged that access to parts of the land has been restricted or leased out.
The group also alleged that some land transactions may have occurred without the consent of all beneficiaries.
However, Kafeero’s brother, Abubaker Nende, praised government efforts in managing the process and specifically commended Balaam Barugahara for helping to restore calm within the family.
Nende also confirmed that government had covered the costs of the DNA testing process, including the exhumation and restoration of the grave.
Joseph Luzige, a lawyer representing some of Kafeero’s children, said the decision to exhume the body was not taken lightly but had become necessary to bring a definitive resolution to the longstanding dispute.
He warned that any transactions involving the late musician’s property conducted without consensus among beneficiaries could be challenged in court and potentially declared invalid.
Meanwhile, Busansula Village chairperson Aloysious Kasimagwa denied allegations that he signed documents authorising land transactions linked to the estate.
He acknowledged, however, that construction and farming activities have been taking place on land that once belonged to the late musician.
Kafeero, one of Uganda’s most celebrated Kadongo Kamu artists, died on May 17, 2007, at the age of 36 due to complications arising from kidney failure.
Nearly two decades later, questions surrounding his estate and biological heirs continue to fuel legal battles and public debate.