Police Arrest Prime Suspect in Murder of Afrigo Band Musician Moses Matovu

Police in Kampala have arrested Vincent Nsamba, a 41-year-old man, as the prime suspect in the suspected murder of veteran Afrigo Band musician Moses Matovu. Nsamba was arrested on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in Ochange Ward, Yesu Amala, Nansana Division, Wakiso District. Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Rachael Kawala confirmed the arrest, saying investigations remain ongoing.

The arrest came hours after Matovu, 77, died at Kibuli Hospital after sustaining serious injuries during an alleged confrontation at Kibuli Depot in Makindye Division, Kampala District. According to preliminary information released by police, Matovu went to the residence of a woman at about 5:30am on Thursday. Police said that as Matovu and the woman were leaving the residence, they were allegedly confronted by a male suspect who was believed to have previously been in a relationship with the same woman.

The confrontation reportedly developed into a physical altercation, resulting in Matovu sustaining serious injuries. He was rushed to Kibuli Hospital by a boda boda rider, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Police have cautioned that the precise circumstances surrounding the confrontation and how Matovu sustained the injuries that led to his death have not yet been fully established.

The woman who was in Matovu’s company at the time of the incident was earlier arrested by police and remains in custody, assisting detectives as they piece together what happened before, during and after the confrontation. The male suspect, who police had initially said had fled the scene, was subsequently identified and subjected to a manhunt, which ended with Nsamba’s arrest in Nansana later on Thursday.

Police continue investigations into the incident, with detectives verifying the different accounts surrounding the incident and establishing the full circumstances that resulted in Matovu’s death. Investigators are expected to examine evidence from the scene, statements from witnesses and the accounts of people who were with or near Matovu before and during the confrontation.

Matovu’s death has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s entertainment industry, with the Afrigo Band announcing a funeral programme, including prayers and mourning activities scheduled in Kampala and burial planned in Kyanja on Friday, September 25, 2026. The veteran musician was one of the founding figures of Afrigo Band, established in 1975, and spent decades performing as a singer, songwriter, saxophonist, flutist and band leader.

The arrest of Nsamba marks a significant development in the investigation, but police have yet to complete their inquiries or establish the full circumstances of the suspected murder. Police have urged members of the public to remain calm and allow investigators to carry out their work without interference, while extending condolences to Matovu’s family, friends, fellow musicians and fans following his death.

Key points

• Police arrest Vincent Nsamba, 41, as prime suspect in murder of Afrigo Band musician Moses Matovu.
• Matovu died at Kibuli Hospital after sustaining serious injuries during confrontation at Kibuli Depot.
• Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with police verifying accounts and examining evidence.