Police in Kampala have arrested a woman, identified as Rose, in connection with the killing of Afrigo Band legend Moses Matovu. According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala, Rose was with Matovu shortly before he was attacked and killed in Kibuli on Thursday morning. She is being detained as detectives search her rented room in Market A Zone, Kibuli.
Kawala said Rose has provided detectives with crucial information that could lead to the arrest of a prime suspect who remains at large. The suspect is believed to be a private security guard attached to a private security company. Preliminary investigations suggest that the death is linked to a confrontation that resulted from Rose's interaction with the suspect.
Matovu was reportedly attacked at about 5:40 a.m. near Lubowa Mosque after he allegedly intervened when the suspect confronted Rose shortly after she had alighted from Matovu's Range Rover Discovery. During the confrontation, Matovu was allegedly punched and fell onto the pavement, sustaining a fatal head injury. He was rushed to Kibuli Hospital by a boda boda rider but was pronounced dead about 30 minutes after arrival.
Police said they could not disclose the suspect's identity before his arrest. Kawala added that detectives would further interrogate Rose to establish the nature of her relationship with Matovu and the suspect who is on the run. The motive behind the attack is still unclear, but police are closing in on the suspect.
Moses Matovu, 77, was one of the founding members of Afrigo Band, which was formed in 1975. He remained a central figure in the band for decades as its leader, saxophonist, vocalist, and composer. His death has sent shockwaves through Uganda's music industry, where he was regarded as one of the most enduring figures in the country's live-band tradition.
Police detectives were still combing the crime scene and areas where the prime suspect is believed to have been staying, while Matovu's vehicle remained impounded at Kabalagala Police Division as investigations continued. The development comes hours after police confirmed that Matovu had been attacked by unknown assailants at Kibuli Market Zone B in Makindye Division.
The arrest of Rose and the ongoing investigations have raised hopes that the perpetrators of the crime will be brought to justice. The incident has sparked widespread condolences for Matovu's family and the music industry, with many paying tribute to his legacy and contributions to Ugandan music.
Key points
- Police arrest woman linked to killing of Afrigo Band legend Moses Matovu
- Suspect identified as private security guard still at large
- Investigations ongoing to establish motive behind the attack
