By Joseph Mary Buwule
Thousands of mourners gathered in Kyanja, Kampala, on Friday for the burial of veteran musician and Afrigo Band leader Moses Matovu Bukenya, popularly known as Papa Moi.
Matovu, 77, died on Thursday, September 24, after sustaining injuries in an attack at Kibuli Market Zone B in Makindye Division.
He was taken to Kibuli Hospital, where he later died.
Police opened a murder investigation into his death, with detectives working to establish the circumstances of the attack and identify those responsible.
Matovu was laid to rest in Kyanja on Friday, September 25.
Before the burial, Muslim funeral prayers, Swalat Janaza, were held in Kibuli. His body was later taken to the National Theatre before being moved to Kyanja for a vigil and burial.
Government supported the funeral arrangements, according to Matovu’s son, Musa Kamoga.
Nearly six decades in music
Moses Matovu was born on June 19, 1949, in Kawempe, Kampala, to Abdallah Bukenya bin Adam and Solome Nakitto.
He began his music career in the 1960s with the Thunderbirds Band before joining the Police Band and later the Cranes Band.
After the Cranes Band folded, Matovu and other musicians formed Afrigo Band in the mid-1970s.
Afrigo went on to become one of Uganda’s longest-running bands and marked its 50th anniversary in 2025.
Matovu was a vocalist, saxophonist, composer, arranger and band leader. He remained with Afrigo for decades and performed in Uganda and abroad.
His career spanned nearly six decades.
Police investigation continues
Police said Matovu was attacked in Kibuli Market Zone B in Makindye Division before being taken to hospital.
Investigations into his death are continuing.
Matovu was laid to rest in Kyanja on Friday, bringing to a close a music career that stretched from Uganda’s bands of the 1960s to Afrigo Band’s 50th anniversary.
