The debate over DNA testing in Uganda has been reignited following the release of late Kadongo Kamu star Paul Kafeero’s results, which revealed that only four out of 25 people who claimed to be his children were biologically his.
The findings have once again put DNA testing in the spotlight, drawing mixed reactions. While some argue that the government should make DNA tests mandatory at birth, others strongly oppose the idea, warning that it could undermine trust within families.
Recently, singer Bebe Cool, also revealed that he privately conducted DNA tests on all five of his children. He said the decision was not driven by mistrust of his wife, Zuena Kirema, but rather the widespread public debate around paternity testing at the time. The results confirmed that all five children are biologically his.
As Matooke Republic, we have compiled familiar public figures who have previously been drawn into DNA-related controversies and how each case unfolded.
Bobi Wine
In 2015, musician and politician Bobi Wine confirmed that he had taken a DNA test on Simon Kyagulanyi, a boy he believed he had fathered with UK-based Ugandan Safina Mutebi. The results later showed he was not the biological father. Despite this, Bobi Wine said he would continue to support the child due to the bond they had formed over time.
Zari Hassan and Diamond Platnumz
In 2015, businesswoman Zari Hassan’s daughter Latifah’s paternity was publicly questioned, with several men linked to the case. A DNA test later confirmed Tanzanian singer Diamond Platnumz as the biological father.
Geosteady
In 2019, singer George William Kigozi, popularly known as Geosteady, was involved in a child support dispute with Doreen Nalubega, who claimed he had fathered her child. A DNA test was conducted, and the results ruled him out as the biological father.
Beenie Gunter
Tycoon Samona
In 2023, businessman Michael Kasawuli, popularly known as Samona, was reportedly caught in a major paternity controversy after DNA tests allegedly showed that only 15 of the 25 children he believed were his are biologically his. He had initially assumed all children from his four wives were his.
Abitex
In 2023, events promoter Abbey Musinguzi, known as Abitex, said he was disappointed after DNA tests reportedly ruled out eight of the nine children he had tested. He stated that he chose to verify paternity immediately after each child’s birth due to repeated claims from different women.
Prof. Badru Kateregga
Last year, a DNA report from Uganda’s Government Analytical Laboratory indicated that Kampala University founder Prof. Badru Kateregga was not the biological father of one of his three children with his estranged wife, Jolly Shubaiha. However, she disputed the findings and called for a fresh test to be conducted in the United States.
The late Muhammad Ssegirinya
In 2025, reports emerged after the death of MP Muhammad Ssegirinya, with DNA tests conducted on nine children presented as his. Results reportedly confirmed that only four were biologically his, although some claimants rejected the findings and demanded further testing.
