What began as a tightly controlled security operation in Busansula Village, Nkokonjeru Town Council, Buikwe District, unfolded on Wednesday as police pathologists executed a court order to exhume the remains of celebrated singer Paulo Job Kafeero.
Security forces had cordoned off access roads to the grave site early in the morning, restricting entry by residents and members of the media as the exercise commenced under strict supervision.
Only later were journalists allowed into the area, by which time the exhumation had already been completed and Kafeero’s remains were found placed in a casket, with Rhino Funeral Services overseeing the process of restoring the grave.
The operation stemmed from a long-running family dispute over Kafeero’s estate and questions surrounding paternity claims.
In 2022, some of his children petitioned court seeking the exhumation of his body to facilitate DNA testing and conclusively determine the biological relationship of individuals claiming to be his children.
As the exercise proceeded, reactions from residents around Busansula Village were mixed. Some expressed support for the court process, saying it was necessary to bring clarity and closure to the dispute. Others, however, questioned the circumstances surrounding the matter and expressed discomfort with the decision to exhume the remains.
Tensions within the extended family have also played out publicly over time, with some residents accusing members of the family of deepening divisions through disputes over property, land use, and memorial activities held in honour of the late singer.
During guided interactions with journalists, some of Kafeero’s children, led by Stellah Nantongo, pointed out sections of land that formerly belonged to the musician, alleging 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 that access to parts of the land has been restricted or leased out.
The family also raised concerns about transactions involving the estate, alleging that some land may have been transferred without full consent of all beneficiaries, claims which remain part of the ongoing dispute.
However, Abubaker Nende, Kafeero’s brother, commended government efforts in managing the process, particularly acknowledging Minister Balam Barugahara for facilitating attempts to restore calm within the family.
He further confirmed that government had covered the costs associated with the DNA testing, exhumation, and restoration of the grave.
Legal representative Joseph Luzige, speaking on behalf of Kafeero’s children, said the decision to exhume the body was not taken lightly but had become necessary to resolve the dispute once and for all.
He added that all individuals claiming to be Kafeero’s children are expected to undergo DNA testing scheduled for Wednesday.
Luzige further cautioned that any transactions involving the late singer’s property conducted without consensus among beneficiaries could be challenged and declared invalid, with efforts expected to recover any improperly disposed assets.
Busansula Village chairperson Aloysious Kasimagwa distanced himself from allegations of signing any land transaction documents, although he acknowledged that construction and farming activities have been taking place on land once belonging to the late musician.
On the technical side of the exercise, AIGP Dr Moses Byaruhanga, Director of Uganda Police Health Services, confirmed that the exhumation was carried out under a court order and with the agreement of the concerned parties.
He explained that samples taken from the remains will be subjected to analysis at the police forensic laboratory and the Government Analytical Laboratory in Wandegeya.
Dr Byaruhanga urged all individuals claiming to be children of the late Kafeero to present themselves for DNA testing as scheduled, saying the process is intended to bring finality to the long-standing dispute.
