Kampala – Uganda’s music industry is in mourning following the brutal murder of legendary musician and Afrigo Band founder Moses Matovu, popularly known as Papa Moi. The iconic saxophonist and bandleader, who dedicated nearly five decades to entertaining Ugandans, was killed in a shocking attack that has left fans, colleagues and the nation reeling.
Matovu, one of the founding members of Afrigo Band, which he helped establish in 1974, was found dead at a scene in Chiboli. Police quickly secured the area as investigators began piecing together the circumstances of the homicide. Early reports indicate the attack was targeted, though full details of the motive and method remain under investigation.
The Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Nyumbi Tembo, a longtime friend of the late musician, arrived at the crime scene shortly after the news broke. Tembo was seen consulting with security personnel as he sought to understand the events that claimed the life of a man he described as both a professional colleague and an older brother. The two had spoken only a day earlier, with Matovu confirming plans to perform at a family function scheduled for December 19.
Born and raised in Uganda, Matovu attended Namirembe Primary School before proceeding to Chibui Secondary School. His formal education was interrupted following the abolition of traditional institutions, after which he briefly pursued football before fully committing to music. Over the years, he transformed Afrigo Band into one of the country’s most enduring musical institutions. Colleagues and music analysts credit him with making Congolese-style rumba distinctly Ugandan, creating a body of evergreen content that has remained relevant across generations.
Tributes poured in almost immediately. One close associate described the loss as “beyond words,” noting that Matovu had spent close to 50 years making people happy without ever making enemies. “His job was entertaining people,” the associate said. “I don’t know anybody Matovu ever annoyed.” Others emphasized that Afrigo Band had become more than a private group — it had grown into a national brand that deserved deliberate conservation.
Music industry figures, including Joanita Kawalya and other long-time collaborators, have called for urgent steps to preserve the Afrigo legacy. “Africa is an institution,” one voice noted. “Whatever happens, all effort must be made to conserve the Afrigo brand because this is not just a private company. This is a national brand.”
While some members of the public expressed frustration over repeated violent incidents targeting public figures, industry voices urged restraint in blaming the police. “The only person I blame is the one who killed Matovu,” one commentator said. “Blaming the police is the easiest thing to do, but those of us who understand how systems work know that more vigilance is needed. These kinds of murders have happened too many times.”
Police have taken full control of the scene and assured the public that they possess the capacity to investigate and bring the perpetrators to book. Investigators are expected to release further details as the probe progresses.
As Uganda digests the sudden loss of one of its most consistent cultural ambassadors, the music community is left reflecting on a career that spanned half a century. Moses Matovu leaves behind a catalogue of songs that defined social gatherings, celebrations and everyday life for millions. His nickname, Papa Moi, will now be remembered not only for the music he created but for the quiet, steady leadership he provided to Afrigo Band through decades of change.
Funeral arrangements and further tributes are expected in the coming days as family, band members and fans prepare to bid farewell to a true giant of Uganda