The ongoing paternity dispute between Kampala University founder Prof. Badru Kateregga and his estranged wife, Jolly Shubaiha, has taken a new turn, with Shubaiha demanding a fresh DNA test to be conducted in the United States.
This follows the release of a DNA report from Uganda’s Government Analytical Laboratory, which concluded that Kateregga is not the biological father of one of the couple’s three children.
The test, ordered by the Makindye Grade One Magistrate Charles Kangira Opio, confirmed that only two of the children—twins—are biologically linked to the 76-year-old university professor.
The results, dated May 25, 2025, were officially read in court on Friday, sparking strong reactions from both parties.
Shubaiha, 36, has publicly dismissed the findings, expressing deep doubts about the credibility of the testing process in Uganda.
In a statement dated June 14, she said she suspects foul play or procedural irregularities may have influenced the outcome.
“I do not trust the accuracy of these results, nor do I have confidence in the integrity of the process through which they were obtained,” she stated. “I have since instructed my lawyers to appeal.”
Citing her children’s U.S. citizenship and place of birth, Shubaiha is now pushing for a fresh DNA test to be conducted at a reputable, internationally accredited facility in the United States.
“My commitment remains to the truth and the well-being of my children. A transparent and professionally handled process will vindicate this position. If I wasn’t sure, I would never have agreed to a DNA test in the first place,” she said.
While emphasizing that she is not opposed to DNA testing itself, Shubaiha insists the local testing process failed to meet international standards.
“I proposed that the testing be done in the U.S., but the magistrate ruled otherwise,” she added.
The couple, who were married under Islamic rites in March 2013, have endured a turbulent relationship in recent years, marked by mutual accusations of infidelity and violence.
In September last year, Kateregga alleged that Shubaiha assaulted him, leaving him in a coma and forcing him to flee their Buziga residence.
In response, Shubaiha filed for court orders compelling Kateregga to provide maintenance and education support for their three children.
Kateregga, in turn, questioned the paternity of all three and requested DNA tests before complying with any support orders.
Following the court’s instructions, both parties submitted samples for testing on April 8. While the court had also ordered Kateregga to remit monthly support and cover school-related expenses for the children, the latest DNA findings now suggest he is legally obligated to provide for only the twins.
The DNA report was signed by government analyst Immaculate Atukwasa and presented in court with legal representatives from both sides present—Andrew Oloka for Kateregga and Joseph Mugarura for Shubaiha.
Atukwasa stated that the scientific analysis definitively excluded Kateregga as the father of the youngest child while confirming his paternity of the twins.
