By Sadique Bamwita
KAMPALA
The prime suspect in the killing of Afrigo Band legend, Moses Matovu, has been remanded to Luzira Upper Prison after being formally charged with murder before the Makindye Chief Magistrates’ Court.
Vincent Arnold Nsamba alias Sitenda, appeared before Senior Magistrate, Aidah Nanjala on Monday, September 28, who read him the murder charge.
In response, he informed court that he had heard and understood the charge but was cautioned against making further statements because the magistrate’s court does not have jurisdiction to try capital offenders.
Prosecution led by Jamaima Akingo told court that investigations were still ongoing. Later the Magistrate remanded the accused until November 3, 2026, when the matter will return for mention as prosecutors and investigators continue building the case.
It’s alleged that on September 24, 2026, at Market B zone in Kibuli, Nsamba, a resident of Agip Zone, Kibuli Parish in Makindye Division, with malice aforethought caused the death of 77-year-old Matovu which is contrary to Sections 171 and 172 of the Penal Code Act.
The case stems from a dramatic early-morning confrontation that has shocked Uganda’s music industry.
Police said Matovu went to the residence of a woman identified as Rose Tumusiime in Kibuli on the night of September 24, where he spent a hot night with her. Preliminary findings indicated that the two were leaving the residence when they were confronted by a man believed to have previously been in a relationship with sexy Tumusiime.
The suspected killer engaged in a physical confrontation with Matovu who sustained serious injuries. A boda-boda rider reportedly rushed him to Kibuli Hospital, where he later died. Police immediately opened a murder investigation and launched a manhunt for the man who had fled the scene.
Security operation traced Nsamba to Ochieng/Yesu Amala in Nansana Division, Wakiso District, where he was arrested on September 24. At the time, police described him as a private security guard.
Matovu, popularly known as Papa Moi, was buried in Kyanja on Friday, September 25, only a day after his death. Thousands of mourners, musicians, cultural figures and government officials gathered to pay their final respects to the veteran performer.
Matovu had spent nearly six decades in music and was a founding figure and longtime leader of Afrigo Band, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025. He was known as a saxophonist, vocalist, composer, arranger and bandleader.
