Musician David Lutalo urges men to resolve paternity questions while alive

Ugandan musician David Lutalo has advised fellow male artists and men in general to resolve any paternity-related questions while they are still alive.

He made the remarks in reference to the ongoing disputes surrounding the estate of the late Paul Job Kafeero, whose remains were exhumed to help settle paternity claims and inheritance disputes.

In an interview, Lutalo urged men to establish the truth about paternity before it becomes a source of conflict after their death. He revealed that he is willing to subject any child claimed to be his to a DNA test.

According to him, men who spend long periods away from home due to business or work commitments may unknowingly find themselves raising children who are not biologically theirs.

"I do not want my family to face disputes after my death, similar to the controversy surrounding the estate of the late Paul Kafeero, whose remains were exhumed to help resolve paternity claims," Lutalo said.

He added that the situation should serve as a lesson to all men, emphasizing that carrying out DNA tests is not a bad thing if it helps establish the truth.

"There are many men raising children who are not biologically theirs, often because of mistakes made by the mothers, which are kept secret in order to protect marriages. It is important for children to know their real families and embrace their cultural heritage as early as possible. Men who spend most of their time away from home should understand that such situations can happen," he said.

"A DNA test can help establish the truth.  However, finding out the truth does not mean fighting with or abandoning the children. As a man, it is important to know the truth because it helps with future planning. We need to carry out DNA tests while we are still alive. This should be a lesson not only for musicians but for everyone, especially men. There is nothing wrong with finding out the truth." 

Lutalo also defended the decision to exhume Kafeero's remains, arguing that it was necessary to clear misunderstandings and bring an end to disputes over the late musician's estate.

According to Lutalo, those criticizing the move should understand the importance of determining the rightful beneficiaries of Kafeero's wealth.

"I don't think he would have rested well knowing that his biological children were being sidelined while those who are not his were benefiting from what he worked for," Lutalo said.

The singer further revealed that he has encountered people who brought children to him claiming he was their father, despite him never having met their mothers. Because of such experiences, Lutalo said he intends to ensure that every paternity claim linked to him is verified through DNA testing.

"As for me, I know death can come unexpectedly, and all women claiming that I have children with them will have to undergo DNA testing to establish the truth," he said.