Moses Matovu Dies at 77 After Fatal Kampala Attack
Veteran Ugandan musician Moses Matovu has died at the age of 77 after suffering serious injuries during an early-morning attack in Kampala.
Matovu, a founding member of Afrigo Band, died at Kibuli Hospital on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Police said he was taken to the hospital after being attacked in the Kibuli area of Kampala.
The musician’s death has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s entertainment industry. Matovu spent decades performing and helping shape the country’s live-band music scene.
What Happened to Moses Matovu?
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police, the incident happened at about 5:30 a.m. in Kibuli, within Kampala’s Makindye Division.
Police said Matovu had gone to the residence of a woman identified as Rose. Preliminary findings indicated that Matovu and the woman were leaving the residence when they were confronted by a man who was allegedly previously in a relationship with the woman.
A physical confrontation reportedly followed.
Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala said the exact circumstances surrounding the confrontation had not yet been fully established. Investigators are working to determine what happened during the incident.
Matovu suffered serious injuries and was rushed to Kibuli Hospital by a boda boda rider. He later died from those injuries.
Police Launch Murder Investigation
Ugandan police have opened a murder investigation into Matovu’s death.
A woman who was with Matovu before the confrontation was arrested and taken into custody. Police said she was assisting detectives as they worked to establish what happened.
Authorities were also searching for the male suspect. Police said he had been identified and was believed to have fled the scene.
Investigators collected evidence from the area as they reconstructed the events leading to Matovu’s death. A concrete paver was among the exhibits recovered at the scene, according to Daily Monitor.
Police have also said that the suspected attacker may work for a private security company, although that detail was still being verified.
The motive for the confrontation has not been officially established.
Matovu’s Long Music Career
Moses Matovu was one of Uganda’s most recognised musicians and a key figure in Afrigo Band.
He helped form Afrigo Band in Kampala in 1975. The group later became one of Uganda’s longest-running and most influential live bands.
Matovu served as a saxophonist, vocalist, composer and leader. His career in music began even earlier, after he performed with other Ugandan groups.
He started his musical journey in a church choir before joining the Thunderbirds Band. He later performed with the Police Band and Cranes Band.
After the Cranes Band ended, Matovu and other musicians established Afrigo Band.
The group became known for its live performances and played an important role in Uganda’s music industry for decades. Matovu remained connected to the band and its music throughout much of his career.
Tributes Follow Veteran Musician’s Death
News of Matovu’s death has triggered tributes from musicians, fans and members of the Ugandan public.
His death came after a career that lasted nearly six decades. He was widely recognised for helping preserve Uganda’s live-band tradition and introducing his music to several generations.
Reports also said Matovu had performed at an event in Kampala on Wednesday night, just hours before his death.
His sudden death has therefore left many fans and fellow musicians mourning the loss of a veteran performer.
Investigation Continues
Police have urged the public to allow investigators to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
While preliminary police findings point to a confrontation involving a man believed to have previously been in a relationship with the woman who was with Matovu, authorities have not said that the motive has been conclusively established.
The investigation remains ongoing as police work to locate the male suspect and determine exactly what happened before Matovu sustained his fatal injuries.
Matovu is expected to be laid to rest in Kyanja on September 25, 2026.
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