SAD: Legendary Founder of Afrigo Band Has Died

By Musa Rwamigoye 

 

Legendary Ugandan musician Moses Matovu a.k.a Papa Moi, the veteran saxophonist, vocalist and band leader who co-founded Afrigo Band, has died after he was attacked on his way home from work in Kampala on Wednesday night, according to his son.

 

The circumstances of the death remain unclear. Ramadhan Kamoga, one of Matovu’s sons, told CBS FM that his father was returning from work at night when he was assaulted.

 

Uganda Police said Moses Matovu was allegedly attacked on the morning of Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Kibuli Market Zone B in Makindye Division, Kampala District.

According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Recheal Kawala, confirmed that police at Kabalagala has already registered a case of suspected murder after Matovu was attacked and sustained injuries.

 

“Our task team is currently at the scene conducting investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Kawala said, adding that efforts were underway to identify and apprehend the suspected assailants.”

 

It is said that Moses Matovu was rushed to Kibuli Hospital for medical attention immediately he had been attacked but later succumbed to his injuries.

 

The death of Papa Moi has also drawn condemnation from Minister of Local Government and Events promoter Balaam Barugahara, who described Moses Matovu as a major figure in Uganda’s music industry.

 

In a statement, Barugahara said he was deeply saddened by the death of his friend and the father of the Classic Band music director and founder of Afrigo Band.

 

On his Page Minister Barugahara said; “I regret to announce the tragic death of my friend and father of the Classic Band Music Director and founder of Afrigo Band, Mzee Moses Matovu, who was reportedly attacked by a gang in Kibuli last night while returning from work,” Barugahara said.

 

I regret to announce the tragic death of my friend and father of the Classic Band Music Director and founder of Afrigo Band, Mzee Moses Matovu, who was reportedly attacked by a gang in Kibuli last night while returning from work.

 

I strongly condemn this senseless act of violence. Uganda’s music industry has lost a true legend whose contribution to our culture and music will remain unforgettable. He was a giant of our music industry, and a talent we may never replace.

 

I appeal to our joint security agencies to do everything possible, as always, to identify, apprehend and bring to justice those responsible for this heinous act”. 

 

Charles Rwomushana on his X page said; “Afande #Rugongo is around. 

Moses Matovu of Abana ba Afrigo is murdered”

 

 

Businessman Mike Mukula on his X page also said; “Moses Matovu belonged to that rare generation of artists whose work became part of the soundtrack of a nation. Through decades of extraordinary dedication, discipline and creativity, he helped build Afrigo Band into an institution. Governments changed, generations came and went, musical tastes evolved, but Afrigo endured. At the heart of that remarkable journey stood Moses Matovu composer, instrumentalist, performer, mentor and custodian of Uganda’s musical heritage.

 

His music carried our stories. It celebrated love, life and community. It crossed ethnic, linguistic, political and generational boundaries. In moments of celebration, Ugandans danced to his music; in moments of reflection, his melodies spoke to our hearts. That is the measure of a true national artist”.

 

Moses Matovu was born on 19 June 1949 in Kawempe Division, Kampala District, to Abdallah Bukenya and Solome Nakitto, making him 77. He attended Pillai Secondary School on a Buganda Kingdom bursary, but his studies ended in 1966 when kingdoms were abolished.

 

RIP MOSES MATOVU A.K.A PAPA MOI