Musician Bruno K has raised UGX 43 million through TikTok Live sessions for children of the late Kadongo Kamu legend Paul Kafeero who were rejected following DNA test results.
The funds were mobilized entirely through live broadcasts on TikTok, where Bruno K engaged fans directly, shared the children’s story, and called on Ugandans to contribute what they could via mobile money and other digital channels.
“All together Ugandans raised 43million for the kids the DNA rejected. Thank you for your generosity my fellow Ugandans,” Bruno K said, thanking donors for responding through the TikTok campaign.
Over several live sessions, Bruno K used TikTok’s gifting and donation features to rally support. Viewers joined the live streams in large numbers, sent virtual gifts, and pledged cash contributions in real time.
The interactive format allowed Bruno K to answer questions, update donors on the total raised, and keep the campaign transparent. Clips from the live sessions were also shared widely on WhatsApp, X, and Facebook, amplifying the reach beyond TikTok.
The digital drive tapped into a growing trend of Ugandan creators using social media to raise funds for medical bills, school fees, and welfare causes. In this case, the focus was on children caught in a paternity dispute after DNA tests.
Paul Kafeero, who passed away in 2009, remains an icon of Kadongo Kamu music in Uganda. Following recent DNA tests, some of his children were reportedly rejected by relatives, leaving them without immediate family support.
The situation sparked debate online about the welfare of children in paternity disputes. Bruno K’s TikTok campaign shifted the conversation toward action, urging fans that “DNA said no, but Uganda can still say yes.”
The UGX 43 million raised through TikTok is expected to go toward the children’s welfare. Bruno K expressed gratitude to all donors and said the response showed Uganda’s spirit of “Ubuntu.”
Human rights advocates have welcomed the initiative but note the importance of transparent management of crowd-funded money. Details on whether a trust, lawyer, or child welfare organization will oversee disbursement have not yet been made public.
The success of the TikTok Live fundraiser also highlights how social media platforms are increasingly becoming tools for direct public giving in Uganda.
