TAKEAWAYS

• Balaam Barugahara has advised Mathias Walukagga to verify and document his children through DNA testing while he is still alive.
• The minister cited the recent Paul Kafeero DNA exercise, where only four of 25 claimants were confirmed as biological children.
• Balaam defended the credibility of the Uganda Police DNA laboratory and pledged support to all families affected by the verification exercise.

The Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, has urged veteran Kadongo Kamu singer Mathias Walukagga to consider documenting and verifying his children through DNA testing while he is still alive.

Balaam made the remarks while reflecting on the recently concluded DNA verification exercise involving the family of the late Paul Kafeero, which sent shockwaves across Uganda after only four of the 25 individuals who had presented themselves as his children were confirmed to be biologically related to the legendary singer.

“Walukagga should openly identify his children and have everything documented while he is still alive. It will save families from unnecessary disputes and confusion in the future,” Balaam said.

The minister noted that Walukaaga, like several other Kadongo Kamu musicians, has publicly acknowledged fathering children with different women over the years. He argued that taking proactive steps now would help avoid the kind of uncertainty that surrounded Kafeero’s estate after his passing.

Addressing concerns from members of the public who have questioned the DNA findings, Balaam maintained that the results were credible and transparent.

“Anyone who is not satisfied with the outcome is free to obtain the samples and seek independent verification. Uganda Police operates one of the best DNA laboratories in East Africa, and I believe the results will remain the same,” he said.

Balaam also pledged continued support for both the children who were confirmed as Kafeero’s biological offspring and those whose tests did not establish a biological relationship, emphasizing that the exercise should promote truth, closure and proper family documentation rather than division.