Uganda’s music fraternity is mourning the death of Moses Matovu, the veteran musician and longtime leader of Afrigo Band, who died on Thursday, September 24, 2026, following a violent incident in Kibuli, Kampala.
Matovu, 77, was attacked at about 5:30am in Kibuli Market Zone B, Makindye Division, and was rushed to Kibuli Hospital after sustaining serious injuries. He later succumbed to his injuries. Police registered the case as a suspected murder.
Initial reports suggested that Matovu had been attacked while on his way to Kibuli Mosque for morning prayers, a routine he was known to follow. Police later released preliminary information pointing to a confrontation involving a woman Matovu had visited and another man who was allegedly previously in a relationship with her.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala said investigators believe a physical altercation may have preceded Matovu's injuries, but stressed that the precise circumstances were still being established.
A woman who was with Matovu was taken into custody to assist investigators. Police subsequently identified a male suspect, 41-year-old Vincent Nsamba, and reported that he was arrested in Nansana following a manhunt.
Police have continued gathering evidence from the scene as detectives reconstruct what happened in the early hours of Thursday.
Matovu's death marks the end of a musical career spanning nearly six decades. He was one of the founding figures of Afrigo Band, established in the 1970s, and became its most recognisable leader, vocalist, saxophonist and musical director.
Beyond music, Matovu was also deeply involved in Ugandan football. He played for clubs including Nakivubo Boys, Express FC and Police FC, later serving as SC Villa treasurer and trustee. FUFA paid tribute to him as a figure who served both football and music throughout his life.
His death has triggered tributes from musicians, football personalities and members of Uganda's cultural community as the country prepares to bid farewell to one of the defining figures of its live-music tradition.