Police Probe Confrontation Before Afrigo Band Founder Moses Matovu’s Death
KAMPALA — Police are investigating a confrontation involving Afrigo Band veteran Moses Matovu, a woman he had visited in Kibuli and another man as detectives work to establish what led to the musician’s death on September 24, 2026.
Matovu, 77, was attacked in Kibuli, Kampala, in the early hours of Thursday and later died at Kibuli Hospital after sustaining serious injuries.
Police say Matovu had visited a woman at about 5:30am before the pair encountered another man who had previously been in a relationship with her.
A confrontation followed, although investigators have not established what triggered the altercation, who assaulted Matovu or whether a weapon was involved.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala said preliminary information suggested the incident may have resulted from a physical confrontation.
“Preliminary information indicates that the incident may have arisen from a physical altercation,” Kawala said.
Matovu’s Final Journey to Kibuli
Matovu drove his Range Rover, registration number UAR 982H, into Kibuli early Thursday morning.
He reportedly parked near Kibuli Market Zone B in Makindye Division before walking with the woman toward a nearby residence.
Police believe the confrontation occurred as the two were leaving the residence.
Matovu suffered serious injuries during the incident. A boda boda rider later took him to Kibuli Hospital, where medical workers attempted to save his life.
He was later pronounced dead.
Woman Arrested as Suspect Flees
The woman who was with Matovu has been identified as Rose Tumusiime, reportedly from Ntungamo District.
Police confirmed that she had been arrested and was assisting detectives with their inquiries.
Investigators have also identified the man they believe was involved in the confrontation. Police say he fled the scene and is being pursued.
“The male suspect has been positively identified and is believed to have fled the scene,” Kawala said.
Police are now working to locate him and establish his account of what happened.
Police Warn Against Speculation
The latest police account differs from some of the initial information circulated after Matovu’s death.
Early reports indicated that the musician had been attacked by unknown assailants at Kibuli Market Zone B. Police subsequently opened a suspected murder investigation.
There were also reports that Matovu had been attacked while on his way to morning prayers.
Investigators have since focused on the confrontation involving the woman and the second man.
However, police stressed that the findings remain preliminary.
“The exact circumstances surrounding the confrontation and subsequent death are yet to be fully established,” Kawala said.
Detectives are interviewing witnesses and reconstructing Matovu’s movements before and after the incident.
Police have urged members of the public to avoid speculation and allow investigators to establish the facts.
Moses Matovu’s Six-Decade Music Career
Matovu’s death brings to an end a music career spanning nearly six decades.
Born on June 19, 1949, Matovu entered professional music in 1967 and later performed with the Police Band and Cranes Band.
He went on to help establish Afrigo Band in 1975, becoming one of the group’s most prominent figures.
As a bandleader, vocalist, composer and saxophonist, Matovu played a major role in Uganda’s live-band music scene for generations.
He remained active with Afrigo Band as the group celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025.
His death has sparked widespread mourning among musicians, fans and cultural figures across Uganda.
As police continue their investigation, detectives are working to establish exactly what happened during the early-morning confrontation in Kibuli that preceded the death of one of Uganda’s most enduring musical figures.
