KAMPALA — Vincent Arnold Nsamba, alias Sitenda, has been arraigned before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court and charged with the murder of veteran Afrigo Band musician Moses Matovu.
Nsamba, 47, appeared before Senior Grade One Magistrate Aidah Nanjala on Monday and was charged with murder contrary to Sections 171 and 172 of the Penal Code Act.
Prosecution alleges that Nsamba, a resident of Agip Zone, Kibuli Parish, Makindye Division, caused the death of 77-year-old Matovu with malice aforethought on September 24, 2026, at Market B Zone in Kibuli Parish.
When the charge was read to him, Nsamba told court: “I have heard and understood.”
However, he was not allowed to enter a plea because the Magistrate’s Court does not have jurisdiction to try capital offences such as murder.
“This court has no powers to try your case. You have a right to apply for bail before the High Court,” Magistrate Nanjala told him.
State Attorney Jemima Akingo told court that investigations were still ongoing and asked for the matter to be adjourned for mention.
The magistrate subsequently remanded Nsamba to Luzira Upper Prison until November 3, 2026, when the case will return for mention.
Police allege that Matovu was attacked in Kibuli on September 24 after he had accompanied a woman identified as Rose Tumusiime to her residence in the early hours of the morning.
According to preliminary police findings, a confrontation followed as Matovu and Tumusiime were leaving the residence. Investigators allege that Nsamba confronted Tumusiime and that Matovu intervened before he was struck and fell to the ground. He was rushed to Kibuli Hospital, where he later died.
Police subsequently arrested Nsamba in Nansana, Wakiso District, and conducted a reconstruction of the alleged crime scene at Kibuli Market Zone B.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Rachael Kawala said the reconstruction was intended to help detectives gather additional evidence.
“We have taken the suspects back to the scene to help us obtain more evidence as we continue with investigations into the murder.”
During the investigation, Nsamba reportedly told detectives that he struck Matovu but denied intending to kill him.
“I boxed him and he fell down. But I did not intend to kill him,” Nsamba was quoted as telling investigators.
Tumusiime was also brought to court on Monday but was not charged after her case file was reportedly not ready. She was subsequently taken back to the Criminal Investigations Directorate for further questioning. Police have not charged her with Matovu’s murder.
Matovu, who was 77, was a founding member and longtime leader of Afrigo Band, one of Uganda’s longest-running musical groups. He died on September 24 following the incident in Kibuli.
Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death are continuing.
