Residents of Masaba Village in Nkokonjeru Town Council, Buikwe District, have raised concerns after reconstruction works on the grave of the late Kadongo Kamu legend Paulo Kafeero came to a halt before completion.
The reconstruction project was initiated following a court-ordered exhumation of Kafeero's remains to obtain samples for DNA testing in a process intended to help some individuals establish paternity claims and secure parental belonging.
When journalists visited the gravesite to assess the progress of the restoration works, they found the area deserted, with no construction activity taking place. There were no builders, relatives or security personnel at the site.
At the gravesite, cement that had already been mixed with sand was found abandoned and unused. Construction tools, including chisels, hoes and spades, had been locked inside the grave structure.
However, essential materials such as gravel stones and other construction supplies were missing.
Frederick Kalaala, a neighbour to Kafeero's burial site, said workers arrived in the morning and mixed cement and sand before leaving without carrying out any further work.
"The materials have been left here exposed. If construction does not resume soon, the cement may go to waste," Kalaala said.
He suggested that the workers could have been waiting for additional building materials from Rhino Funeral Services, the company contracted to reconstruct the grave. He added that police officers who had earlier been deployed at the site had also left.
Several residents expressed disappointment over the state in which the gravesite has been left, arguing that it was unfair to a musician whose contribution to Uganda's cultural and entertainment industry remains significant.
Some residents also faulted Kafeero's children for allegedly not doing enough to supervise the reconstruction process and ensure the work is completed on time.
They appealed to authorities to allow local builders within the community to complete the project, noting that there are skilled craftsmen in the area who would be willing to undertake the work if supplied with the necessary materials.
The residents further called upon Balam Barugahara to intervene and ensure the reconstruction is completed without further delays.
Although Rhino Funeral Services was awarded the contract to rebuild the grave, representatives of the company were not present at the site and could not immediately be reached for comment.
Meanwhile, Kafeero's brother, Nende Abubaker, recently said that all the funds allocated for reconstructing the grave were provided by Minister Balam.
The delay has left many residents worried that the restoration of the final resting place of one of Uganda's most celebrated musicians could remain unfinished unless urgent action is taken.
