Cedric Babu Dead. Tributes Pour in

Cedric Babu Ndilima is dead. He has been battling heart complications for weeks before his condition worsened. There was an ongoing GoFundMe fundraiser for his heart transplant in London. 

“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Cedric Babu Ndilima, who left us on the 31st of May 2025 at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, after a long and courageous fight. Cedric was a cherished father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend—loved deeply by all who knew him,” the family said in a statement.

“We remain grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support shown throughout his journey. Details regarding vigils and funeral arrangements will be shared in due course. Please continue to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”

The target for the Cedric Babu heart transplant was about Shs1.5bn.

He had been rushed to a Nairobi hospital after an incident in Kigali, Rwanda.

Tributes have been flowing in to the family of Cedric Babu — his father, former minister Capt Francis Babu, and his mother Olive Kigongo — and his Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) political organization where he was vice president for Kampala.

PLU mobilizer and promoter Balaam Barugahara, the junior minister for youth and children’s affairs, said “justice will prevail” for “those who took pleasure in his struggles.”

“I’m shocked and saddened by Cedric Babu Ndilima’s passing. May he rest in peace. May God bless those who supported him during his short illness. May the Lord comfort Hon. Captain mzee Francis Babu, Mama Oliver, the children, their mothers, the PLU family, his friends, and former schoolmates,” noted Balaam Barugahara. 

“To those who took pleasure in his struggles, justice will prevail. As Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted…”

State broadcaster UBC, where Cedric Babu previously worked, also sent out a tribute.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Cedric Babu Ndilima, a former colleague and valued member of the UBC family,” the station wrote in a short statement.

“Through The Cedric Live Show, he brought insight and vibrance to our screens. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”

“Rest in peace Cedric. Cedric was very humane and loving. A peacemaker good to all regardless of status or creed. He’ll be greatly missed. Painful. Very painfull stuff!” wrote Hudu Hussein. 

“It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of personal loss that i have learnt about the untimely demise of my good friend Cedric Babu Ndilima. The laughter we shared and the secrets whispered will forever be cherished, we shall remember honor and carry you in our hearts, Cedric was such a genuine and dependable friend,” noted Henry Basaliza.

“Cedric’s light and promise have been taken far too soon. I send condolences to the family and pray that God grants them divine comfort and grace in this moment of grief. Rest well Ndugu.” 

PLU secretary general and Kasambya MP David Kabanda conveyed the political organization’s condolences.

“It is with great shock that I have received the news of the sad and untimely demise of Cedric Babu, who has been our PLU Vice Chairman for Kampala,” wrote Kabanda.

“On behalf of the Patriotic League of Uganda and on my own behalf, I convey my heartfelt condolences his Family, relatives and Friends.”

Andrew Mwenda wrote: “A friend, a brother and comrade in arms, Cedric Babu Ndilima, passed away this afternoon at the Aga Khan hospital in Nairobi. Handsome, loving, intelligent, passionate and filled with big dreams, Cedric lived a full life and died with grace. We shall miss you now & forever. RIP!”

“Thank you for your energy on this earth Cedric Ndilima and thank you support me since 2013 before many knew my name, we lost a Great guy. I send love to the whole family. May your soul rest in peace Brother.” — A-Pass, Ugandan singer.

“A young man full of humility, honesty and love for people. His words were few but filled with wisdom. Rest in Eternal Peace Brother till we meet again.” — Lillian Aber, junior minister, and MP. 

“Speechless. Till we meet again my friend. Thank you for everything. Sending my heartfelt condolences to the family of Cedric Ndilima. Go Easy Bro.” — Ykee Benda, Ugandan singer.

“I join the family of Capt. Francis Babu to mourn the passing of my brother, my close friend and comrade in the struggle, Cedric Babu, who passed away yesterday in Nairobi. Cedric stood out amongst his peers as an individual who had a rich and wide spectrum of talents. He had a passion for sports in which he excelled.

He played tennis with a skill that made him amongst the best that our country has ever produced. Cedric was a businessman and was equally successful there at a young age.

He was a nationalist and a patriot. Where many children of Uganda’s elite families eschew politics, Cedric had the courage to participate in the governance of his country. He won the NRM primaries for the Kampala Central parliamentary seat in the last elections against more experienced rivals. Even though he lost in the general elections, he never gave up the struggle.

Cedric was an optimist always thinking about tomorrow, a better tomorrow. He is survived by a wife and three handsome boys who love sports like their father did. It is for all these talents and many more that I appointed him Vice Chairman for Kampala on the Central Committee of PLU.

He was a great addition to the team and we shall miss him immensely. May his soul rest in eternal peace.” — Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, CDF. 

You can read interesting facts about Cedric Babu Ndilima Here.

Cedric Babu’s family started a fundraising drive for his heart transplant that was expected to happen in London. But the GoFundMe fundraiser showed how divided a nation Uganda, with some people bringing up his friendship with first son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and former minister Sam Kuteesa’s mega church. (See Details Here and There).

For comments on this report, story tips or sponsored content, send us a Whatsapp message on +256 705 690 819 or E-mail us on pearltimesug@gmail.com).

Please Follow our Whatsapp Channel for More Stories Here