The late Moses Matovu, popularly known as Papa Moi
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The send-off of veteran musician and Afrigo Band founder Moses Matovu, popularly known as Papa Moi, will begin in Kibuli on Thursday and end with his burial in Kyanja on Friday, September 25, 2026.
Afrigo Band, which Matovu helped found and where he became one of the defining figures in Uganda’s music history, has released a two-day funeral programme as family, friends, fellow musicians and fans prepare to pay their final respects to the celebrated performer.
The programme will begin on Thursday, September 24, with Muslim funeral prayers, known as Swalat Janaza, scheduled to take place in Kibuli at 4pm.
After the prayers, mourners are expected to gather at the National Theatre at 7pm, a venue closely associated with Uganda’s performing arts community and the country’s musical history.
The evening programme will then move to Kyanja, where a vigil is scheduled to begin at 9pm.
The vigil will provide an opportunity for relatives, musicians, friends and Matovu’s admirers to gather and remember the musician before his burial the following day.
According to the programme issued by Afrigo Band, Matovu will be laid to rest in Kyanja at 4pm on Friday, September 25.
The funeral arrangements come as the music fraternity grapples with the sudden death of one of its most recognisable veterans.
Matovu’s death was announced after he was reportedly attacked by unknown assailants at Kibuli Market Zone B in Makindye Division, Kampala, on Thursday morning.
He was reportedly rushed to Kibuli Hospital after sustaining injuries in the suspected assault, but later died while receiving treatment.
His death has shocked Afrigo Band members, fellow musicians, fans and members of the public, many of whom regarded him as an important figure in the development and preservation of Ugandan popular music.
For decades, Matovu was associated with Afrigo Band, one of Uganda’s longest-running musical groups. His contribution to the band placed him among the musicians who helped shape the country’s live music scene and kept the band active across generations.
The circumstances surrounding his death have meanwhile prompted a police investigation.
Police in Kabalagala are investigating the suspected murder, with a task team deployed to gather evidence from the scene and establish what happened before and during the reported attack.
Investigators are also working to identify and apprehend the suspected attackers and establish the motive behind the assault.
As investigations continue, attention has turned to Matovu’s final journey.
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