The Prince Job Paul Kafeero Cultural Heritage has issued a stern warning over what it describes as the growing unauthorised use and politicisation of the music of the late Kadongo Kamu icon Job Paul Kafeero.
In a statement dated March 3, 2026 and signed by its Executive Director, Deric Fredric Namakajo, the Heritage expressed “serious concern” over what it termed rising cases of copyright infringement and unlawful alteration of Kafeero’s musical works, particularly on social media platforms such as TikTok and YouTube.
The organisation said that while many Ugandans continue to celebrate Kafeero’s music lawfully, some individuals have gone beyond acceptable edutainment by re-voicing and altering original songs, reusing melodies for political and abusive messaging, and commercially exploiting the works without consent from the rightful copyright holders.
According to the statement, such conduct violates Uganda’s Copyright and Neighbouring Rights laws and amounts to the unlawful creation of derivative works. Among the songs cited as having been affected are “Ekiwemenya Amazina” and “Dipo Naziggala.”
The Heritage revealed that it has compiled a list of alleged perpetrators and has instructed its lawyers, Bristow Advocates, to commence legal proceedings.
The legal process, the statement noted, will begin with artists Kid Dee and Lil Pazo, who are accused of re-voicing one of Kafeero’s songs using the same melody but with different lyrics described as abusive, immoral and political, and inconsistent with the original composition.
“No person is permitted to reproduce, adapt, remix, politicise, or commercially exploit the late Kafeero’s works without written authorisation from the lawful administrators of his estate,” the statement read.
In a public appeal, the Heritage urged Ugandans to respect the integrity and originality of Kafeero’s music and to use his works strictly for lawful educational, cultural and entertainment purposes.
It cautioned against altering lyrics or melodies for political or commercial gain without consent.
This is not the first dispute involving the reproduction of Kafeero’s music. In February 2025, a lawsuit filed through Libirige & Co. Advocates accused rapper Gravity Omutujju of unlawfully reproducing and profiting from Kafeero’s “Walumbe Zzaaya.”
Kafeero, widely regarded as one of Uganda’s most prolific and poetic Kadongo Kamu artists, died on May 17, 2007 at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya following a prolonged battle with kidney failure. He was 36.
Nearly two decades after his death, his music continues to resonate across generations. His lyrics, often rich in metaphor and satire, explored themes of love, social struggles, drunkenness, mortality and everyday dilemmas.
Among his notable works are Walumbe Zzaaya, Nsonda Nnya, Essawa Y’okuzaawa, Dipo Naziggala, Kampala Mu Kooti, Nantabulirirwa and Omwana W’omuzungu.
The Heritage maintains that Kafeero’s catalogue is a protected cultural legacy that must be preserved with dignity and shielded from misuse for personal or political interests.
