TAKEAWAYS

• Balaam says fresh DNA tests were ordered after allegations that earlier results had been manipulated.
• Both the Government Analytical Laboratory and Uganda Police Forensic Laboratory reportedly returned identical findings.
• The minister says the exercise was personally funded and believes the matter should now be settled.

The Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, has defended the recently released DNA results involving the children of the late Ugandan music legend Paul Job Kafeero, insisting the exercise was conducted professionally and the findings are credible.

Speaking about the controversial results, Balaam said he ordered fresh DNA tests after some members of Kafeero’s family disputed previous findings, alleging that earlier results had been manipulated in favour of certain individuals.

According to the minister, DNA samples were submitted to the Government Analytical Laboratory in Wandegeya, while another set was independently examined by the Uganda Police Forensic Laboratory to ensure transparency.

“I took the samples to the Government Analytical Laboratory in Wandegeya, the same laboratory trusted by the President, and another set was tested by the Police Forensic Laboratory. Both institutions produced the same results,” Balaam said.

He explained that the Government Analytical Laboratory released its report first before the Police Forensic Laboratory produced an identical report two days later, strengthening his confidence in the outcome.

Balaam also addressed questions surrounding Paul Ssentongo, one of the individuals who presented himself for DNA testing and whose striking resemblance to the late Kafeero had sparked public debate. He revealed that the DNA analysis established that Ssentongo is not biologically related to the fallen singer, despite speculation and questions raised by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.

The minister further revealed that he had even asked Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to consider helping facilitate additional DNA testing in Brussels. However, he now believes there is no justification for further tests because both Ugandan laboratories reached the same conclusion.

“The results are final. Instead of spending more money taking samples abroad, those resources would be better used to buy land in Bukunja and support the children who genuinely need assistance,” Balaam said.

He stressed that the entire DNA exercise was financed from his personal resources as a close friend of the late Paul Job Kafeero and not by the Government of Uganda.

Balaam added that a meeting with family members will be held to determine the next course of action following the release of the results, expressing hope that the scientific findings will finally put the long-running dispute to rest.