Police have arrested the prime suspect in the murder of veteran Afrigo Band musician Moses Matovu, hours after the musician was fatally injured in Kibuli, Kampala.
The suspect has been identified as Vincent Nsamba, 41, also known as Arnold or Sitenda. He was arrested in Ochange Ward, Yesu Amala, Nansana Division, Wakiso District, following investigations and a joint security operation.
The arrest was announced by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who thanked security forces operating under the inter-agency security architecture for apprehending the suspect.
“I want to thank all security forces, working under the inter-agency security architecture, for quickly apprehending the prime suspect in the murder of legendary musician Moses Matovu,” Muhoozi said. He added that Nsamba was in custody and would face the law.
Police had earlier said the suspect was being pursued after being positively identified in connection with the incident.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Rachael Kawala, Matovu was attacked at about 5:30 a.m. on September 24, 2026, at Kibuli Depot in Makindye Division.
Preliminary investigations indicated that Matovu had gone to the residence of a woman and was leaving with her when they were allegedly confronted by a man who had previously been in a relationship with the woman.
Police said the confrontation may have resulted in a physical altercation, although investigators were still working to establish exactly what happened.
Matovu sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Kibuli Hospital by a boda boda rider, where he later died.
The woman who was with Matovu was also arrested and remained in police custody to assist investigators. Police said detectives were continuing to verify accounts surrounding the confrontation and the events that led to Matovu’s death.
The arrest of Nsamba marks a significant development in the investigation, which initially began after police described the assailants as unidentified.
Matovu, 77, was a founding member and longtime leader of Afrigo Band, which was formed in 1975. He was known as a saxophonist, vocalist, composer and arranger and remained one of the most recognisable figures in Uganda’s live-band music tradition.
Police have urged the public to remain calm and allow investigators to establish the full circumstances of the death.
