KAMPALA — As Uganda prepares to bid farewell to Afrigo Band veteran Moses Matovu, police have arrested a 41-year-old man they describe as a prime suspect in the musician’s suspected murder.
The arrest comes just a day after Matovu, popularly known as Papa Moi, died following injuries sustained during an alleged confrontation in Kibuli, Kampala.
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Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala identified the suspect as Vincent Nsamba, saying he was arrested in Ochange Ward, Yesu Amala, in Nansana Division, Wakiso District.
Police have not disclosed details of the operation that led to his arrest.
“The prime suspect in connection with the murder of Afrigo Band musician Matovu Moses has been arrested,” Kawala said in an update.
Investigations continue
Police say detectives are still working to establish exactly what happened before Matovu sustained the injuries that later claimed his life.
Earlier, police said Matovu had gone to his girlfriend’s residence in the Kibuli Depot area of Makindye Division at around 5:30am on Thursday.
As the two reportedly left the residence, they were allegedly confronted by a man who had previously been in a relationship with the woman.
Police said a physical confrontation may have followed, although investigators had not established exactly how Matovu sustained his injuries.
A boda boda rider rushed the musician to Kibuli Hospital, where he later died.
The woman who was with Matovu has also been taken into police custody and is assisting investigators.
Police have not yet said whether Nsamba has been formally charged.
Matovu’s final journey
While investigators continue searching for answers, Matovu’s family, friends, fellow musicians and fans are preparing to give the veteran performer his final send-off.
According to the announced funeral programme, Matovu will be buried in Kyanja today, Friday, September 25, at 4pm.
His body was taken to the National Theatre on Thursday evening, giving members of the music fraternity and the public an opportunity to pay their final respects before it was taken to Kyanja for the vigil.
The burial will mark the end of the farewell ceremonies for a musician whose career was closely associated with Afrigo Band, one of Uganda’s longest-running music groups.
A music icon’s final goodbye
Matovu’s death has left Uganda’s entertainment industry mourning one of its veteran figures.
For decades, he was associated with Afrigo Band and became known to generations of Ugandans through his music and performances.
As mourners gather in Kyanja today, attention will not only be on the final farewell but also on the police investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
For now, detectives say their work continues as they seek to establish what happened in Kibuli and determine whether other people were involved.
written by @enock katamba
- Enock Katamba is a Ugandan Journalist and Founder of Uncovered UG, an independent digital news platform covering Uganda and international developments. He reports on politics, national affairs, entertainment, sports, business, education and other stories of public interest.
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