Nsamba remanded over murder of Afrigo Band legend Moses Matovu 

Makindye Chief Magistrates Court has remanded Vincent Arnold Nsamba, the prime suspect in the murder of veteran Afrigo Band musician Moses Matovu, to Luzira Upper Prison.

Nsamba, 47, appeared before court on Monday and was formally charged with murder over the death of Matovu, who died on September 24 after sustaining injuries during an early-morning confrontation in Kibuli, Kampala.

The court heard that Nsamba allegedly caused the death of 77-year-old Matovu with malice aforethought on September 24 at Market Zone B in Kibuli Parish, Makindye Division. Nsamba denied neither the charge nor its details but told court that he had heard and understood it.

Senior Magistrate Aidah Nanjala cautioned Nsamba against making further comments, explaining that the magistrates’ court does not have jurisdiction to try capital offences such as murder.

Nsamba was remanded to Luzira until November 3, 2026, when the case will return for mention as prosecutors continue with investigations. He was also informed that he could apply for bail in the High Court.

 How Matovu was killed

Matovu was attacked in the early hours of September 24 in Kibuli Market Zone B after he had reportedly accompanied Rose Tumusiime, 26, to her rented home.

According to police and eyewitness accounts, Matovu and Tumusiime had spent part of the night at Rujumbura Bar and Agaba’s Bar in Kibuli before heading to Tumusiime’s residence at about 4am.

Investigators allege that Nsamba, who had previously been in a relationship with Tumusiime, confronted the two as they left the residence.

A confrontation reportedly followed after Nsamba attacked Tumusiime. Matovu is said to have intervened and questioned why Nsamba was assaulting the woman.

During the ensuing scuffle, Nsamba allegedly punched Matovu below the chin, causing him to fall and sustain serious injuries. The suspect then reportedly fled the scene.

Matovu was rushed to Kibuli Hospital on a motorcycle, but he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. Police subsequently launched a manhunt for the suspect, who was arrested later that day in Nansana, Wakiso District.

Police later returned to Kibuli with Nsamba and Tumusiime for a reconstruction of the crime scene as detectives sought to establish the sequence of events leading to Matovu’s death.

Nsamba has reportedly told investigators that he punched Matovu but did not intend to kill him. That account is part of the ongoing investigation and has not been tested in court.

Tumusiime was also arrested following the incident, but her file was not ready when Nsamba appeared in court on Monday and she was taken away by security personnel.

Matovu’s musical legacy

Matovu, one of the founding figures of Afrigo Band, died at the age of 77 after a music career spanning nearly six decades.

He joined the band in the 1970s and remained a central figure in its development, helping Afrigo become one of Uganda’s longest-running music groups. The band celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025.

Matovu was buried in Kyanja on September 25, a day after his death, following funeral prayers in Kibuli. Police say investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death are continuing.

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