Former Busiro South Member of Parliament Charles Matovu has died at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala following a sudden illness.
Matovu, 41, died on Thursday, October 22, 2026, after being transferred from Lubaga Hospital, where he had been admitted in critical condition. The cause of death had not been officially established by Thursday evening.
National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya said Matovu’s illness began suddenly on Monday evening.
Rubongoya visited the former legislator at Lubaga Hospital on Thursday morning and found him unable to speak or open his eyes. Matovu was later transferred to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he died.
NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, announced the death in a message expressing shock and grief.
“Just received very disturbing news concerning the abrupt passing of our brother, comrade and fellow leader, Hon. Charles Matovu,” Kyagulanyi said.
He described Matovu as a former representative of Busiro South who, in his view, had been denied victory in the January 2026 parliamentary elections.
“Very shocking news! May God strengthen all of us,” Kyagulanyi added.
Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi and other NUP members also joined in mourning the former legislator.
Matovu represented Busiro South in Wakiso District during the 11th Parliament, serving from 2021 to 2026 after winning the constituency on the NUP ticket in the 2021 general elections.
He defeated then-incumbent Peter Sematimba of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to secure the seat.
However, Matovu lost the constituency in the January 2026 elections to NRM candidate Kenan Opio, a result he subsequently challenged in court.
He petitioned the High Court in Entebbe, alleging electoral irregularities and non-compliance with electoral laws, and sought to have Opio’s election overturned.
Court filings cited vote totals of approximately 36,497 for Opio and 30,487 for Matovu.
In September, Justice Johnson Karemani dismissed Matovu’s application seeking additional electoral materials, ruling that the request lacked sufficient specificity. The main election petition remained unresolved, with hearings reportedly beginning around October 16.
Matovu’s death leaves questions over the continuation of the legal challenge, as his family, political colleagues and supporters mourn his passing.
Further details about funeral arrangements and the cause of death are expected from the family and relevant authorities.
