Matovu murder shocks leaders, media

By James Bakama RADIO Uganda sports journalist David Matovu (Right) was yesterday laid to rest at his ancestral home in Misindye, Mukono district. Several stunned mourners turned up for the burial of the seasoned broadcaster who died of severe burns on Friday morning. Matovu, 47, according to residents of Mpererwe, was burnt by unidentified people Wednesday night as he returned home after visiting a friend. He was rushed to Mulago hospital where he later died. Mukono north member of parliament, Reverend Peter Bakaluba Mukasa, a long time friend of the deceased described the method of murder as “unbelievable.” Dr. Ben Mbonye, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President praised Matovu. “He was a dedicated, hard working employee, who had a high degree of resilience,” said Mbonye in a speech read for him by by Radio Uganda Broadcasting Commissioner Jack Turyamwijuka. Joyce Gunura, the head of programmes, gender section, described Matovu’s death as a big loss. Amongst the condolences were those from Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA), Uganda Olympic Committee Media Commission and Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA). Matovu joined Radio Uganda in 1979 as a clerical officer. He quickly rose in the ranks to become one of the leading sports broadcasters. Matovu’s death is a big blow especially when the local sports fraternity is still reverberating in shock death of other journalists Leo Kabunga, Kenneth Matovu, Simon Peter Ekarot and Francis Batte in a fatal road accident. ends