Veteran actor and producer John Ssegawa has sparked debate after questioning whether legendary Ugandan music group Afrigo Band should consider retiring following the death of its longtime leader, Moses Matovu.
Ssegawa made the remarks during an exclusive interview on the Emboozi Mu Kati YouTube channel, days after Matovu died on September 24, 2026.
According to Ssegawa, Matovu was more than a performer within Afrigo Band. He described the late musician as the group’s disciplinarian, director and public face—a central figure who helped hold the ensemble together for decades.
Matovu co-founded Afrigo Band in 1975 and spent more than five decades with the group as a saxophonist, vocalist and key leader. He died aged 77 after sustaining injuries in a physical altercation at Kibuli Market in Kampala.
Ssegawa questioned whether a band that has been in existence for more than 50 years can maintain its identity and longevity without the personality who had become closely associated with its sound, discipline and leadership.
His comments have reignited discussion about succession and sustainability in Uganda’s creative industry, particularly the challenge of preserving long-running institutions after the departure of the personalities who built them.
Despite Ssegawa’s concerns, Afrigo Band has continued with rehearsals and scheduled performances, indicating that the group remains active following Matovu’s death.
“Afro Band should be retired as soon as possible.” — John Ssegawa pic.twitter.com/WWttkKVVNo
— Kelele.Ug (@Kelele_ug) October 1, 2026
Related posts:
