KANDAHAR WAR! Afrigo's Matovu Killer Remanded

KAMPALA — The man accused of killing legendary Afrigo Band musician Moses Matovu has been remanded to Luzira Upper Prison as police continue probing the circumstances surrounding the veteran musician’s death.

Vincent Arnold Nsamba, 47, also known as Sitenda, appeared before Makindye Chief Magistrates’ Court on Monday afternoon in connection with Matovu’s death.

Dressed in a checked red shirt, Nsamba appeared before Senior Grade One Magistrate Aidah Nanjala, with State Attorney Jamaima Akingo telling court that the case had come up for communication of the charge.

Prosecution told court that on September 24, 2026, at Market B Zone, Kibuli Parish, Makindye Division in Kampala, Nsamba allegedly caused the death of 77-year-old Matovu with malice aforethought.

When Magistrate Nanjala asked Nsamba whether he had heard and understood the charge, he answered: “I have heard and understood.”

The magistrate, however, cautioned him against making any further statements, explaining that the Magistrates’ Court does not have jurisdiction to hear capital offences such as murder.

The prosecution further told court that investigations and other inquiries into the circumstances surrounding Matovu’s death were still ongoing.

Nanjala informed Nsamba that he has the right to apply for bail before the High Court and that he would be provided with an advocate when the matter proceeds to hearing.

She subsequently remanded Nsamba to Luzira Upper Prison and ordered him to return to court on November 3, 2026, for an update on the progress of investigations.

Nsamba appeared composed in the dock, although his left arm appeared injured and was partly concealed under the sleeves of his shirt.

WOMAN ALSO IN CUSTODY

Nsamba was brought to court alongside Rose Tumusiime, the woman at the centre of police investigations into Matovu’s death.

Tumusiime was not charged on Monday and was instead seen being driven away by security personnel.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the confrontation that left the celebrated musician critically injured.

According to police investigations, Matovu had reportedly visited a woman at about 5:30am, after which a physical confrontation allegedly occurred as the two were leaving.

A boda boda rider reportedly rushed the injured musician to Kibuli Hospital, where he later died from a severe head injury.

Police subsequently launched a murder investigation and arrested Nsamba, who was initially identified as a private security guard, in Nansana, Wakiso District.

The woman who was with Matovu also remains in custody to assist investigators.

MATOVU’S FINAL HOURS

Matovu, who was born in Kawempe on June 19, 1949, began his musical journey at the age of four when he joined the Namirembe Cathedral choir.

The veteran musician died on September 24, following the reported confrontation in Kibuli, and was buried the following day, September 25, at the family’s ancestral grounds in Kyanja.

His death sent shockwaves through Uganda’s music fraternity, with fans and fellow musicians mourning one of the country’s long-serving musical figures.

The criminal case now moves to the next stage as investigators work to establish what exactly happened during the early-morning confrontation that preceded Matovu’s death.