Moses Matovu Murder: Suspect remanded to Luzira

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A 47-year-old driver, Vincent Arnold Nsamba, stands in the dock at the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court during his arraignment on murder charges following the death of Ugandan music icon and long-serving Afrigo Band leader Moses Matovu. PHOTO/ IBRAHIM KAVUMA

A 47-year-old driver accused of killing Ugandan music icon Moses Matovu, the long-serving leader of the legendary Afrigo Band, has been charged with murder and remanded to Luzira Upper Prison.Vincent Arnold Nsamba, also known as Sitenda, appeared before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where the charge of murder was formally read to him.

Nsamba arrived at court around midday under tight security in a police patrol vehicle, alongside Rose Tumusiime—the woman reported to have been with Matovu prior to the fatal encounter. While Nsamba was led into the dock, Tumusiime was driven away shortly after by security personnel as her file was not yet ready.

Vincent Arnold Nsamba, 47, escorted by a police officer upon his arrival at the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kampala on September 28, 2026. Nsamba, accused of the murder of legendary Afrigo Band leader Moses Matovu, was formally charged and remanded to Luzira Upper Prison until November 3, 2026. PHOTO/ IBRAHIM KAVUMA

Appearing composed in the dock, Nsamba wore a red checkered shirt that largely concealed what appeared to be a fractured right arm.The courtroom was packed with journalists and members of the public, though no notable musicians were seen in attendance.According to the charge sheet, Nsamba—a resident of Agip Zone, Kibuli Parish, Makindye Division—allegedly caused the death of 77-year-old Matovu with malice aforethought on September 24, 2026, at Market “B” Zone in Kibuli Parish.State prosecution, led by Ms. Jamaima Akingo, informed the court that the matter was up for plea communication and noted that investigations remain ongoing, including inquiries into injuries sustained during the incident.

When the charge was read to him, Nsamba replied, “I have heard and understood.”However, presiding Senior Magistrate Aidah Nanjala immediately advised him against making further comments, clarifying that the court lacks the jurisdiction to try capital offenses.“You are cautioned not to say anything because court has no jurisdiction to hear this case,” Magistrate Nanjala informed the accused.

The magistrate further advised Nsamba of his right to apply for bail in the High Court and assured him that state-provided legal counsel would be made available during his trial.Nsamba was remanded to Luzira Upper Prison until November 3, 2026, when the case returns to the Makindye court for mention.

Rose Tumusiime disembarks a police patrol truck outside Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court on Monday, September 28, 2026. Tumusiime, who was with legendary Afrigo Band leader Moses Matovu prior to his fatal attack on September 24, was taken away shortly after arriving as her case file was not yet ready. Her co-accused, 47-year-old Vincent Arnold Nsamba, was formally charged with Matovu’s murder and remanded to Luzira Upper Prison until November 3, 2026.

BackgroundPolice reports indicate that Matovu was attacked in the early hours of September 24 while walking with Tumusiime near where his Land Rover was parked in Kibuli.During a crime scene reconstruction conducted by detectives to gather further evidence, Nsamba admitted to striking the veteran musician but denied any intention to cause his death.“I boxed him and he fell down. But I did not intend to kill him,” Nsamba reportedly told investigators.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala confirmed that police investigations into the homicide are active and ongoing.Matovu has since been laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kyanja, Kampala, as fans, family, and mourners continue to demand a swift investigation and justice.The murder charge against Nsamba is brought under Sections 171 and 172 of Uganda’s Penal Code Act.[email protected]

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