Kawala appealed to the public to remain calm and allow detectives to conduct their investigations without interference, saying police were taking necessary steps to apprehend the suspect and establish the facts.
Veteran musician and Afrigo Band legend Moses Matovu has died after sustaining serious injuries in a confrontation at his girlfriend’s residence in Kibuli, Kampala.
Police said Matovu, 77, went to the residence of his girlfriend at about 5:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026, and was confronted by a man as he and the woman were leaving the residence.
According to SP Racheal Kawala, the Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, the man (suspect) is alleged to have previously been in a relationship with the same woman.
Kawala said preliminary investigations indicate that the incident may have resulted from a physical altercation, although detectives are still working to establish exactly what transpired.
Matovu sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Kibuli Hospital by a boda boda rider, where he later died.
The woman alleged to be Matovu’s girlfriend, identified as Rose Tumusiime, is in police custody and is assisting detectives with the investigation. The male suspect has been positively identified but is believed to have fled the scene, with police pursuing him.
Earlier eyewitness accounts indicated that Matovu had parked his Range Rover, registration number UAR 982H, in Kibuli before proceeding to the woman’s rented residence in Market Zone B, Makindye Division.
Residents said a confrontation later occurred, during which Matovu was allegedly assaulted. Police are yet to establish the exact sequence of events or what caused the fatal injuries.
Kawala appealed to the public to remain calm and allow detectives to conduct their investigations without interference, saying police were taking necessary steps to apprehend the suspect and establish the facts.
She also extended condolences to Matovu’s family, friends, colleagues and fans.
Matovu’s death has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s music industry, where he was regarded as one of the key figures behind Afrigo Band, one of the country’s longest-serving musical groups.
A singer, saxophonist, composer and bandleader, Matovu spent decades with the band and played a significant role in Uganda’s live-band music scene.
Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death are ongoing.
