Fresh details have emerged in the investigation into the death of legendary Afrigo Band saxophonist Moses Matovu, alias Papa Moi, with his alleged girlfriend, Rose Tumusiime, reportedly giving detectives an account of what happened before the musician was fatally assaulted.
According to an account attributed to Tumusiime, she and Matovu returned to her rented room at around 2:00am and remained there until about 5:00am, when a man she identified as her former boyfriend allegedly arrived and knocked on the door.
Tumusiime reportedly told investigators that she refused to open the door, after which the man allegedly became violent, attempting to break down the door and smashing the windows.
She further alleged that after breaking the windows, the man saw Matovu inside the room. According to her account, she told him that Matovu was her father, but the explanation allegedly angered him further.
Tumusiime reportedly said she later gave Matovu a cup of water before escorting him to his vehicle outside.
She alleged that the suspect followed them and began assaulting her. Matovu reportedly got out of the vehicle and attempted to intervene, asking why she was being attacked.
The suspect then allegedly turned on Matovu and punched him.
The account also reportedly indicates that during the earlier confrontation at the house, the man repeatedly complained that he was the one paying rent for the room and questioned why Tumusiime was bringing other men there.
‘The Windows Were Smashed’
Rogers Tukamuhebwa, the Defence Secretary of Market A Zone in Kibuli, reportedly told investigators that Tumusiime had described the confrontation to him, including the alleged assault that occurred as Matovu was leaving the area.
Asha Naigaga, chairperson of Kibuli Two Parish, said she had not spoken directly to Tumusiime but had seen the aftermath of the incident.
She reportedly described smashed windows and visible damage to the door, which she said appeared consistent with a violent confrontation.
Naigaga also said another confrontation allegedly occurred outside as Matovu was leaving.
During the scuffle, Matovu was reportedly punched and fell onto the pavement, sustaining serious head injuries.
Boda boda rider Dyogo Paul, who rushed the musician to Kibuli Hospital, said Matovu was bleeding heavily when he arrived.
According to Dyogo, medical workers immediately began administering first aid before informing them roughly 30 minutes later that Matovu had died.
Family Receives Shocking News
Matovu’s daughter, Zaam Namatovu, said the family had just completed prayers when they received an alarming call about her father.
She said they rushed to the scene and were informed that Matovu had already been taken to hospital, only to later receive the devastating news that he had died.
Meanwhile, police arrested Tumusiime as investigations continued. Detectives reportedly spent several hours searching her room in her presence before taking her to Kabalagala Police Division together with items collected during the search.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala previously said Tumusiime was assisting detectives and had provided leads that could help police locate the male suspect.
Police subsequently arrested Vincent Nsamba, 41, in Ochange Ward, Yesu Amala, Nansana Division, Wakiso District. Police have identified him as the prime suspect in connection with Matovu’s death.
Police have, however, stressed that the exact circumstances surrounding the confrontation and Matovu’s death are still being established. Preliminary police information indicates that Matovu and the woman were confronted by a man believed to have previously been in a relationship with her, leading to a physical altercation.
The competing accounts and witness statements are now part of an ongoing investigation, and the allegations surrounding the incident have not been tested or established in court.
Matovu’s body is scheduled to be laid to rest in Kyanja on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 4pm, following his final prayers and vigil.
