By Peter Luzinda
KAMPALA
Police investigators on Saturday, September 26, 2026 returned to Kibuli with two suspects as they retraced the events surrounding the death of veteran musician Moses Matovu, hoping to resolve questions about what happened during the confrontation that left the Afrigo Band legend fatally injured.
Vincent Arnold Nsamba, also known as Sitenda or Arnold, and Rose Tusiime were taken through the scene in Kibuli Market Zone B, Makindye Division, where Matovu was reportedly assaulted in the early hours of Thursday.
The reconstruction forms part of the murder investigation opened after Matovu, 77, died at Kibuli Hospital following the incident.
A night that ended in Kibuli
According to the preliminary police account, Matovu had attended a function at Sheraton Gardens on Wednesday night.
He later travelled to Kibuli, where he reportedly went to the residence of Tusiime at about 5am.
The visit would later become the focus of a police inquiry after a confrontation involving Tusiime’s reported boyfriend or former partner.
Investigators say Matovu and Tusiime were together inside the rented room before they eventually came outside.
It was then, according to the preliminary accounts, that they encountered Nsamba.
The confrontation
Nsamba, 41, works as a private security guard and was reportedly known to Tusiime.
Police accounts indicate that a disagreement developed after Nsamba allegedly questioned Matovu about his presence with Tusiime.
The disagreement reportedly turned physical.
Nsamba allegedly assaulted Tusiime before Matovu intervened.
Matovu was subsequently struck and fell.
He sustained serious head injuries and was reportedly bleeding heavily.
A boda boda rider identified as Paul later transported him to Kibuli Hospital.
Despite receiving medical attention, Matovu died.
The search for Nsamba
Nsamba reportedly fled after the confrontation.
Detectives first detained Tusiime as they attempted to establish what had happened and identify the person who had left the scene.
Investigators subsequently traced Nsamba to Nansana, Wakiso District.
He was arrested on Thursday in the Ochange Ward/Yesu Amala area and brought into police custody.
The investigation was registered at Kabalagala Police Station under CRB 1072/2026.
Evidence at the scene
As part of the inquiry, detectives examined the area around the rented room and Matovu’s vehicle.
Blood was reportedly found near Matovu’s Land Rover, registration UAR 982H.
Investigators also reportedly recovered a concrete paving block from the scene.
The significance of the items remains subject to forensic examination and the wider investigation.
Police later searched Nsamba’s residence in Nansana.
Reports indicate that detectives recovered a jacket, shirt and trousers believed to have been worn by him at the time of the incident.
The exhibits are expected to assist investigators in determining whether the physical evidence supports the accounts being given by the suspects and witnesses.
Reconstruction
The Saturday reconstruction gave detectives an opportunity to examine the alleged confrontation in its actual setting.
The suspects were taken through the area as investigators sought to establish their movements and the positions of the people involved.
Police are also examining the point where Matovu allegedly fell, the route towards his vehicle and what happened immediately after he was injured.
The exercise is particularly important because investigators must establish whether the different accounts of the incident are consistent with the physical evidence.
It is not, however, a determination of guilt.
What is known about the main suspect
Nsamba has been described by local residents as a generally quiet man who worked as a security guard.
Some accounts also say he previously worked as a casual labourer helping to load musical instruments and equipment associated with Afrigo Band.
Residents have further alleged that he had experience in kickboxing.
There have also been claims of previous disagreements between Nsamba and Tusiime.
Police have yet to publicly confirm these allegations or establish them as the motive for the confrontation.
Matovu’s burial
The investigation unfolded as Matovu’s family, colleagues and fans prepared to bury him.
He was buried in Kyanja on Friday following funeral prayers at Kibuli Mosque.
The veteran musician’s death has been widely mourned by Uganda’s music fraternity.
Matovu was one of the founding figures of Afrigo Band, which was established in 1975.
Over the decades, he became known for his work as a saxophonist, vocalist, composer and bandleader, remaining one of the most enduring figures in Uganda’s live music scene.
Police still seeking a complete account
With the suspects now having been taken through the scene, investigators are expected to continue with forensic examination, witness interviews and interrogation.
Key questions remain about what triggered the confrontation, the exact sequence of the assault and how Matovu sustained the injuries that caused his death.
Police are also expected to establish whether the evidence recovered from the scene and Nsamba’s home is consistent with the accounts provided during the investigation.
Both suspects remain in custody.
No formal court finding has been made against either suspect, and the allegations remain subject to the ongoing investigation and any subsequent court proceedings.
