Vincent Nsamba, 41, also known as Arnold Ronald Ssetenda alias Sitenda, appeared before the Chief Magistrate's Court at Makindye on Monday, September 28, 2026, to face charges of murder arising from the death of 77-year-old musician Moses Matovu. Nsamba is accused of attacking Matovu in the early hours of Thursday, September 24, in Kibuli Market Zone B, Makindye Division, Kampala.
According to preliminary police investigations, Matovu was attacked at around 5:30 am after reportedly spending part of the night with a woman identified as Rose Tumusiime, 26. A confrontation reportedly followed, with Nsamba allegedly attacking Tumusiime before Matovu intervened. Investigators say Matovu questioned why Nsamba was attacking the woman, leading to a scuffle that resulted in Matovu's death.
The presiding Chief Magistrate Aidah Nanjala remanded Nsamba to Luzira prison until October 03rd, 2026, as the State informed the court that investigations into the case are still ongoing. Nsamba was not allowed to take plea as his charge is capital in nature and requires him to be tried in a high court. The development marks the first formal court proceedings in the murder that has sent shockwaves through Uganda's entertainment industry.
Matovu, popularly known as Papa Moi, had a music career spanning nearly six decades. Born on June 19, 1949, in Kawempe, Kampala, he began his musical journey in the 1960s with the Thunderbirds Band, later joined the Police Band, and subsequently became part of the Cranes Band. After the Cranes Band folded, Matovu helped establish Afrigo Band in 1975, which became one of Uganda's longest-running and most influential live bands.
Nsamba reportedly told investigators that he had gone to Tumusiime's residence after she allegedly asked him to visit because she was not feeling well. However, Tumusiime's account reportedly differs in some respects from Nsamba's version. Police have said the exact circumstances surrounding the confrontation remain part of the investigation. Nsamba was eventually arrested in Ocheng Ward, Yesu Amala, Nansana Division, Wakiso District, following investigations by a joint security team.
Detectives returned Nsamba and Tumusiime to the area where the alleged attack happened for a reconstruction of the events. The exercise was conducted in Kibuli with a heavy security presence involving police, UPDF, and the Flying Squad. Investigators used the exercise to establish the sequence of events and gather additional evidence. Matovu's death has brought an abrupt end to his music career, with Afrigo marking its 50th anniversary in 2025.
Key points
- Vincent Nsamba has been remanded to Luzira prison until October 03, 2026, for allegedly killing musician Moses Matovu.
- The investigation into Matovu's murder is ongoing, with police still piecing together the events surrounding the confrontation.
- Matovu's death has sent shockwaves through Uganda's entertainment industry, marking the end of a music career spanning nearly six decades.
