Thousands of mourners, music lovers, friends, relatives, Ugandan musicians, cultural figures, and government officials gathered in Kyanja, Kampala, to pay their final respects to veteran musician and Afrigo Band legend Moses Matovu Bukenya, popularly known as Papa Moi. Matovu, aged 77, died on Thursday, September 24, 2026, after sustaining serious injuries in an attack at Kibuli Market Zone B in Makindye Division, Kampala. He was rushed to Kibuli Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The emotional send-off at Kyanja brought together people from different generations who came to celebrate the life and contribution of one of the country’s most enduring figures in live-band music. A sea of mourners gathered in Kyanja, turning the area into a major gathering point for Uganda’s entertainment and cultural community. Music lovers arrived from different parts of Kampala and beyond, many carrying memories of Matovu’s performances and Afrigo Band’s music.
The Government of Uganda also took part in the arrangements for Matovu’s final send-off. According to reports, government took over responsibility for aspects of the funeral arrangements as the country prepared to lay the veteran musician to rest. His son, Musa Kamoga, announced that government would oversee the final arrangements. The involvement of government officials reflected the national significance attached to Matovu’s contribution to Uganda’s cultural and music industry.
Matovu’s final journey began on Thursday following his death at Kibuli Hospital. Muslim funeral prayers, known as Swalat Janaza, were held at Kibuli, where hundreds of mourners gathered to pray for the deceased. Among those who joined the prayers were prominent cultural and religious figures, including Buganda Kingdom Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, his deputy Professor Twaha Kawase Kigongo and other kingdom officials and ministers.
Moses Matovu was born on June 19, 1949, in Kawempe, Kampala, to Abdallah Bukenya bin Adam and Solome Nakitto. His journey in music began in the 1960s. He initially performed with the Thunderbirds Band before moving to the Police Band and later the Cranes Band. Following the collapse of the Cranes Band, Matovu and fellow musicians established Afrigo Band in the mid-1970s.
Afrigo Band became a major institution in Uganda’s entertainment history. The band celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025, marking five decades of performances and musical influence. Matovu was central to that journey. Through Afrigo Band, he helped preserve and popularise live-band music at a time when Uganda’s entertainment industry was undergoing major changes.
The circumstances of Matovu’s death have added another layer of sadness to the mourning. Police confirmed that he was attacked in the early hours of Thursday at Kibuli Market Zone B in Makindye Division and later died at Kibuli Hospital. Investigators have been working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify the person or people responsible.
Key points
- Moses Matovu, a veteran musician and Afrigo Band legend, was laid to rest in Kyanja, Kampala, on Friday, September 25, 2026.
- Matovu’s death has generated widespread tributes from across Uganda, with musicians and cultural figures remembering him as a major figure in the development and survival of live-band music.
- The Government of Uganda took part in the arrangements for Matovu’s final send-off, reflecting the national significance attached to his contribution to Uganda’s cultural and music industry.
