TAKEAWAYS

• Munyagwa condemned the DNA tests on Paul Job Kafeero’s children, saying they have caused unnecessary emotional trauma.
• He questioned the findings, arguing that such sensitive tests should be verified by multiple accredited laboratories before conclusions are reached.
• He urged men to openly acknowledge children born outside marriage, saying honesty is better than keeping lifelong secrets.

Former presidential candidate Mubarak Munyagwa has criticised the recent DNA tests conducted on the children of the late singer Paul Job Kafeero, arguing that the exercise has done more harm than good and could leave lasting emotional scars on the family.

Speaking on the matter, Munyagwa said he has never supported the decision to subject Kafeero’s children to DNA testing, insisting that the late singer may have deliberately chosen to raise the children as his own despite any doubts he may have had.

“Paul Kafeero may have known the truth, but he chose peace over public humiliation. Some truths are better left alone.”

According to Munyagwa, DNA testing was available during Kafeero’s lifetime, yet the legendary musician never pursued it. He believes this was a conscious decision to preserve his family and protect the children from the emotional consequences of disputed parentage.

Munyagwa further questioned the reliability of the recently released results, arguing that a single laboratory should not be the final authority in such a sensitive matter. He suggested that confirmatory tests should have been conducted in multiple accredited laboratories, including in Uganda, South Africa and England, before any conclusions were made public.

“I believe in science, but one test alone should not determine such a sensitive issue. If confirmation is needed, let it be done by several independent laboratories.”

He added that if families cannot afford comprehensive verification, it may be wiser not to begin the process at all, urging parents to continue loving and raising the children they have accepted as their own.

Munyagwa also used the opportunity to encourage men to acknowledge children they father outside marriage instead of hiding the truth. He said children deserve recognition from their fathers regardless of the circumstances surrounding their birth.

According to the former presidential candidate, if he ever fathered a child outside his marriage, he would openly inform his wife and accept whatever consequences followed, including the possibility of the marriage ending. He maintained that honesty with one’s family is ultimately more important than living with a lifelong secret.