Veteran saxophonist and Afrigo Band founder Moses Matovu has died after he was allegedly attacked by unknown assailants in Kibuli, Kampala, on Thursday morning.
Police said Matovu was attacked at Kibuli Market Zone B in Makindye Division and sustained injuries before being rushed to Kibuli Hospital, where he later succumbed.
“Police at Kabalagala have registered a case of suspected murder involving Matovu Moses, a musician with Afrigo Band,” police spokesperson Rachael Kawala said in a statement posted Thursday morning. Police said a task team had been deployed to the scene to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify the suspects.
Preliminary reports indicate that Matovu was struck on the head as he made his way towards a mosque for morning prayers. Uganda Radio Network reported that the circumstances of the attack and identities of the assailants were initially unclear.
Other local reports said he lost significant blood before being taken to Kibuli Hospital.
Matovu, who was 77 according to biographical records listing his birth date as June 19, 1949, was one of Uganda’s most enduring musicians and the long-time leader of Afrigo Band.
Afrigo Band was formed in the mid-1970s by Matovu and fellow musicians, developing a distinctive sound that combined Congolese rumba, jazz and Ugandan rhythms. The band became one of Uganda’s longest-running musical groups.
Matovu began his music career in the 1960s, including stints with the Uganda Police Band and Cranes Band, before helping establish Afrigo. He remained central to the group for decades, performing as a saxophonist and band leader.
In a 2019 interview marking his 70th birthday, Matovu said music was a calling and that he would continue performing for as long as he had the strength.
“Music is a calling to me,” he said.
The veteran musician had continued performing into his later years. His death has prompted tributes from musicians, government officials and fans mourning a career that spanned more than five decades.
Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara called Matovu’s death a major loss to Uganda’s music industry and urged security agencies to bring those responsible to justice.
Police said investigations into the suspected murder were ongoing.
