The criminal case surrounding the death of veteran musician Moses Matovu has moved into court, but the woman who was reportedly with him shortly before his death did not face charges on Monday after prosecutors said her file was not ready.
Instead, Vincent Arnold Nsamba, 47, was brought before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court and formally charged with murdering the 77-year-old Afrigo Band leader.
Nsamba, also known as Sitenda, was escorted to court under tight security in a police patrol vehicle. Tumusiime was brought along in the same vehicle but was taken away after it became clear that proceedings concerning her could not proceed.
The development leaves Tumusiime’s legal position unresolved as police continue investigating the circumstances surrounding Matovu’s death.
Nsamba remanded over Matovu’s death
Prosecutors allege that Nsamba murdered Matovu on September 24, 2026, at Market “B” Zone in Kibuli Parish, Kampala.
The charge sheet identifies Nsamba as a resident of Agip Zone, Kibuli Parish, in Makindye Division, and alleges that he caused Matovu’s death with malice aforethought.
At Monday’s hearing, state prosecutor Jamaima Akingo told court that investigations had not yet been completed.
Among the matters still being investigated are injuries connected to the confrontation that preceded Matovu’s death.
The case was therefore brought before court primarily for communication of the murder charge rather than trial.
Nsamba acknowledged that he had heard and understood the allegation when it was read to him.
Senior Magistrate Aidah Nanjala, however, cautioned him against saying anything further about the case.
The magistrate explained that the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court has no jurisdiction to try a capital offence such as murder.
“You are cautioned not to say anything because court has no jurisdiction to hear this case,” Nanjala told him.
Nsamba was then advised that he could seek bail from the High Court and that state-funded legal representation would be available to him during the proceedings.
He was remanded to Luzira Upper Prison until November 3, 2026, when he is expected to return to the Makindye court for mention.
Tumusiime leaves court without being charged
While Nsamba was taken into the courtroom, Tumusiime’s proceedings effectively stalled.
She is the woman police reports place with Matovu shortly before the attack, but prosecutors indicated that her file was not yet ready.
She was subsequently driven away from the court premises.
No charge against Tumusiime was communicated during Monday’s proceedings, leaving unanswered questions about whether investigators intend to prosecute her and, if so, what offence she could face.
Her appearance at court alongside Nsamba nonetheless brought renewed attention to the circumstances preceding Matovu’s death.
Reports said she was transferred to CID Kibuli for for further interrogation.
What police say happened
According to the police account, Matovu was attacked during the early hours of September 24 while walking with Tumusiime near his parked Land Rover in Kibuli.
The encounter allegedly escalated into a physical confrontation in which Matovu sustained injuries.
During a subsequent reconstruction of the crime scene, police said Nsamba acknowledged hitting the musician but rejected any suggestion that he intended to kill him.
“I boxed him and he fell down. But I did not intend to kill him,” Nsamba was quoted as saying.
That account is now part of the wider investigation, while the prosecution will have to establish its case through the judicial process.
Nsamba is facing charges under Sections 171 and 172 of Uganda’s Penal Code Act.
A veteran musician’s death
Matovu’s death sent shockwaves through Uganda’s music fraternity.
At 77, he was one of the longest-serving figures associated with Afrigo Band, a group that has played a major role in Uganda’s popular music history.
His death followed the Kibuli attack, after which police opened a homicide investigation.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala has confirmed that the investigation remains active.
Matovu was subsequently buried at his ancestral home in Kyanja, Kampala.
But the burial did not close the questions surrounding his final hours.
The court proceedings have now placed Nsamba formally at the centre of the murder investigation, while Tumusiime remains outside the proceedings for the moment because her file was not ready.
The two arrived at court together on Monday.
Only one left facing a murder charge.
It should be remembered that Rose Tumusiime reportedly paid some money for Moses Matovu Treatment at Kibuli Hospital, as detailed Here.
