By Frank Kamuntu
Fresh details have emerged surrounding the death of veteran Afrigo Band musician Moses Matovu, with eyewitness accounts pointing to a confrontation involving a woman shortly before the celebrated saxophonist was fatally attacked in Kibuli, Kampala.
Matovu, 77, died at Kibuli Hospital on Thursday, September 24, 2026, after he was allegedly assaulted at Kibuli Market Zone B in Makindye Division.
According to police, the circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated as a case of suspected murder.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala said police at Kabalagala had registered the case and deployed a task team to the scene to establish what happened and identify those responsible.
Preliminary accounts from witnesses suggest that Matovu had reportedly dropped off a woman in the area when he was confronted by a man believed to be known to her.
One eyewitness claimed that the man first assaulted the woman before turning his attention to Matovu.
The circumstances of the confrontation, however, remain subject to police investigation, and the identity of the suspected attacker and the motive for the assault have not been officially established.
A woman known as Rose Tumusiime was reportedly with Matovu shortly before the incident was taken into police custody to assist investigators and was later taken back to the scene as detectives continued piecing together the events that preceded the musician’s death.
Boda boda rider Menya Chris Frank, who rushed the injured musician to hospital, has also given investigators and residents an account of what happened.
According to Chris Frank, he found Matovu after a man had allegedly punched him, causing him to fall and hit his head on the ground.
Chris said he immediately put the injured musician on his motorcycle and rushed him to Kibuli Hospital for medical attention.
Despite the efforts to save his life, Matovu later succumbed to his injuries.
Residents of Kibuli Market Zone B gathered near the scene on Thursday as news of the death of the veteran musician spread, with many expressing shock at the circumstances surrounding his final moments.
Police have not yet publicly confirmed claims that Matovu was returning from visiting his girlfriend or that the confrontation was specifically motivated by a romantic dispute. Investigators are expected to establish the sequence of events through eyewitness accounts and other evidence gathered at the scene.
Matovu’s death has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s music industry. As a longstanding member and one of the recognisable faces of Afrigo Band, he spent decades contributing to the development and preservation of Ugandan music.
His death has also sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans, fellow musicians and public figures, with calls for those responsible to be identified and brought to justice.
Meanwhile, Afrigo Band has announced that Matovu will be buried on Friday, September 25, 2026, as arrangements for his final send-off get underway.
Police have said they will provide further details as investigations into the suspected murder progress.
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