Legendary Ugandan musician and saxophonist Moses Matovu will be laid to rest tomorrow, Friday September 25, 2026, at the family’s ancestral grounds in Kyanja, on the outskirts of Kampala.
According to a burial programme released by the family, prayers for Matovu’s send-off were held at Kibuli Mosque at about 4:00 PM on Thursday. His body was later taken to the National Theatre at 7:00 PM before being transported to Kyanja for a night vigil.
Matovu, popularly known as Papa Moi in musical circles, died suddenly on Thursday morning at the age of 77. The legendary maestro and saxophonist spent more than five decades in Uganda’s music industry, particularly as a member and later leader of the Afrigo Band.
His death comes less than a month after the passing of another prominent Ugandan musician, Alex Mukulu.
Among those mourning Matovu is Uganda Communications Commission Executive Director Nyombi Thembo, a long-time admirer of the musician. Thembo was among senior government officials who rushed to Kibuli following reports of Matovu’s death in circumstances that are being investigated by police.
He later described the musician’s death as a devastating loss. Thembo said he last spoke to Matovu on Wednesday, when he contacted him to confirm a performance at a family gathering scheduled for December 19.The two had also been in communication in the weeks leading up to Matovu’s death.
In a message posted on his X account, Thembo said Matovu had brought joy, culture and unity to millions of Ugandans for more than 50 years.
He said Matovu’s death was particularly painful because his life had been cut short in what he described as a violent and horrific incident. Thembo extended condolences to Matovu’s family, the Afrigo Band fraternity and Ugandans mourning the musician.
Born in Kawempe on June 19, 1949, Matovu began his musical journey at the age of four when he joined the Namirembe Cathedral choir. That early experience laid the foundation for a career spanning more than five decades and established him as one of Uganda’s most respected musicians and bandleaders-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
