Shocking Twist as Witnesses Link Musician Moses Matovu Murder to Fight Over Woman

Fresh and unverified accounts from eyewitnesses and residents of Kibuli have introduced a possible new angle into the death of veteran Afrigo Band musician Moses Matovu, with witnesses alleging that the singer was attacked following a confrontation involving a woman.

The accounts, however, have not been confirmed by Police, who have so far only said that Matovu was attacked by unidentified assailants and that a suspected murder investigation is underway.

The emerging allegations also contradict reports circulating in some quarters that Matovu was attacked by members of a criminal gang.

According to an eyewitness, the veteran musician was allegedly involved in a scuffle with a young man who accused him of dating his girlfriend.

The witness claimed that the confrontation happened after Matovu had allegedly escorted a woman to her home in the Kibuli area.

Local accounts have identified the woman as Rose Tumusiime, but The Pearl Times has not independently verified her identity or confirmed that she was in a relationship with Matovu or the man said to have confronted him.

Witnesses allege fight over woman

Another eyewitness has given an account in which Matovu had allegedly just dropped off a woman when he was confronted by a man believed to be the woman’s lover.

According to this witness, the man allegedly first assaulted the woman before turning his attention to Matovu.

The witness claimed that the confrontation escalated into a physical fight and that the man allegedly punched Matovu, causing him to fall.

These accounts remain unverified allegations.

Police have not publicly confirmed that Matovu was attacked because of a dispute over a woman, nor have investigators identified the alleged attacker or established a motive.

Woman reportedly questioned by Police

The woman at the centre of the eyewitness accounts is also reportedly said to have been picked up by Police to assist with investigations.

If the accounts provided by the witnesses are accurate, her statement could potentially help investigators establish what happened immediately before the attack and identify the person alleged to have assaulted Matovu.

Her reported questioning by investigators, however, could make her a potentially important witness if Police are seeking to establish the sequence of events leading to Matovu’s death.

What Police have confirmed

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala confirmed that Kabalagala Police had registered a case of suspected murder involving Matovu.

Police said Matovu was allegedly attacked on Thursday morning, September 24, 2026, at Kibuli Market Zone B in Makindye Division, Kampala District.

He was rushed to Kibuli Hospital for medical attention but later succumbed to his injuries.

“Our task team is currently at the scene conducting investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. Efforts are also underway to identify and apprehend the suspected assailants,” Kawala said.

Police have not disclosed a confirmed motive, the identity of the attacker, the number of people involved or the weapon allegedly used in the attack.

The differing accounts underscore the fact that investigators have yet to establish exactly what happened before Matovu was fatally injured.

A shocking death

Matovu, 77, was one of the founding figures of Afrigo Band and spent decades at the centre of Uganda’s live music scene.

He helped establish Afrigo Band in 1975 following the collapse of the Cranes Band and went on to serve as its leader, saxophonist, vocalist and composer.

His death has triggered an outpouring of grief from musicians, fans and public figures who have remembered him as one of the most enduring figures in Uganda’s music history.

But as tributes continue to pour in, investigators are now faced with the task of determining exactly how the veteran musician ended up fatally injured at Kibuli.

For now, the claim that his death resulted from a fight over a woman remains an allegation from eyewitnesses and local residents, not an established Police finding.

The identity of the person responsible for Matovu’s death, the circumstances of the confrontation and the motive remain subject to Police investigations.

Read our earlier report on Moses Matovu Murder, including about his last performance at Sheraton Hotel Here and There.