Laughter erupted as Minister Balaam Barugahara reacted to the dramatic conclusion of the long-running Paul Kafeero paternity saga with a tongue-in-cheek suggestion that quickly became the day's biggest talking point.
Addressing those whose DNA tests came back negative, Balaam quipped that they should form a SACCO, adding that the government would be ready to support the group. The light-hearted remark came moments after the highly anticipated DNA results were unveiled, bringing scientific closure to a family dispute that had stretched for nearly two decades.
The DNA exercise followed the court-authorized exhumation of the late Kadongo Kamu legend Paul Kafeero's remains earlier this month. Samples were analyzed by government forensic experts to determine which of the claimants were genuinely his biological children.
According to the officially released findings, only a small number of the more than 20 claimants were confirmed as Kafeero's biological children, while the majority tested negative. The results are expected to play a key role in settling long-standing inheritance and estate disputes surrounding the late musician.
Although Balaam's SACCO comment was clearly made in jest, it quickly spread across social media, with many Ugandans sharing memes and humorous reactions while others praised the DNA process for finally providing clarity to one of the country's most talked-about family disputes.