Afrigo Band founder Moses Matovu murdered

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Moses Matovu of Afrigo Band has died after he was attacked and hit on the head by unknown assailants.

Moses Matovu, one of the founders of Afrigo Band, has died after he was allegedly attacked by unknown assailants in Kampala.

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

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala said Kabalagala Police Station had registered a case of suspected murder involving Matovu.

“Police at Kabalagala have registered a case of suspected murder involving Matovu Moses, a musician with Afrigo Band. Moses was allegedly attacked this morning, 24.09.2026, by unknown assailants at Kibuli Market Zone B, in Makindye Division, Kampala District. He was rushed to Kibuli Hospital for medical attention, where he later succumbed to his injuries," Kawala said on X.

"Our task team is currently at the scene conducting investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. Efforts are also underway to identify and apprehend the suspected assailants.”

Born on June 19, 1949, Matovu was one of the founders of Afrigo Band, Uganda's longest-lasting band, which was formed in 1975 following the breakup of Cranes Band.

He brought together fellow musicians to establish the group, whose other founding members were Charles Ssekyanzi, Jeff Sewava, Paddy Nsubuga, Paulo Serumagga, Fred Luyombya, Geoffrey Kizito and Anthony Kyeyune.

Matovu also came up with the name Afrigo, derived from “Africa Go”.

He remained a key figure in the band for five decades, serving as its leader, shaping its musical direction and nurturing successive generations of musicians. His leadership made him one of the enduring figures in Uganda's live band music scene.