Ugandan music has been plunged into mourning following reports of the death of veteran musician Moses Matovu, the longtime leader and founding member of Afrigo Band.
According to messages circulating among friends and members of the Muslim community, Matovu was reportedly attacked by unknown assailants during the night as he was going for Fajr prayers.
The circumstances surrounding the reported attack and his death remain unclear, and there has not yet been an official statement from the family, police or Afrigo Band confirming the reports.
Matovu was one of the defining figures in Uganda’s live-band music scene and helped establish Afrigo Band in the 1970s. The band went on to become one of Uganda’s longest-running musical groups, with Matovu serving as its leader, vocalist, saxophonist and composer for decades.
His reported death has triggered an outpouring of grief among friends, fellow musicians and fans who remember him for his contribution to Ugandan music and his role in nurturing generations of musicians.
Messages mourning the veteran musician have invoked the Islamic phrase “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un”, expressing sorrow and prayer for his soul.
If the reports are confirmed, Matovu’s death would mark the loss of one of the most enduring figures in Uganda’s musical history.
More details will follow as information is officially confirmed.
