KAMPALA — The murder of Afrigo Band legend Moses Matovu has taken a potentially disturbing turn, with fresh claims suggesting that a love triangle could be among the circumstances being investigated in connection with his death.
Matovu, 77, died at Kibuli Hospital on Thursday morning after he was attacked at Kibuli Market Zone B in Makindye Division while reportedly on his way to a mosque for morning prayers.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala confirmed that Kabalagala Police had opened a case of suspected murder and deployed a task team to establish what happened and identify those responsible.
Police have so far described the attackers as unidentified assailants and have not publicly confirmed a motive, identified a suspect or linked the killing to a romantic dispute.
However, an eyewitness has now alleged that Matovu had spent part of the night in the company of a woman identified as Rose Tumusiime before the fatal attack.
According to the account, Matovu allegedly dropped Tumusiime at her home before he was attacked. The eyewitness further claimed that Tumusiime’s boyfriend had allegedly been monitoring the pair during the night and may have confronted Matovu.
The claims have not been independently verified, and there has been no official confirmation from Police that Tumusiime, her alleged boyfriend or any romantic dispute is connected to Matovu’s death.
Police have instead urged the public to allow investigators to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing.
“Our task team is currently at the scene conducting investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, while efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the suspected assailants,” Kawala said.
The veteran musician reportedly sustained serious injuries in the attack and was rushed to Kibuli Hospital, where he later succumbed. Reports indicate that his body was subsequently taken to the hospital mortuary as family, friends and fellow musicians gathered to mourn him.
Matovu was one of the founding figures of Afrigo Band, formed in 1975, and spent about five decades leading the group as a vocalist, saxophonist, composer and mentor to generations of Ugandan musicians. His death has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s music industry.
As investigations continue, Police are yet to establish who killed the legendary musician and why.
