Speaking at Kibuli Mosque on Thursday, Mayiga said Matovu had become a reference point whenever conversations about Uganda’s music and creative arts arose.
“Moses Matovu was a reference point whenever we would talk about music and art,” Mayiga said, describing the veteran musician’s passion for his craft as exceptional.
According to Mayiga, Matovu’s commitment to excellence was central to the longevity of Afrigo Band, which became one of Uganda’s most enduring live musical groups after its formation in the 1970s.
“A perfectionist artist must never be satisfied,” Mayiga said, adding that Matovu was known for being prepared and precise in his performances.
He said Matovu’s attention to detail helped distinguish Afrigo Band throughout its decades-long career.
“Most musicians here are not easy, but Matovu was always on point. He was a perfectionist, and that is what Afrigo Band has always been known for,” Mayiga said.
Matovu, who died aged 77 on Thursday after an attack in Kibuli, was one of the founding figures of Afrigo Band. He joined Uganda’s music industry in the 1960s before performing with bands including the Thunderbirds, Police Band and Cranes Band. He later helped establish Afrigo, where he became known as a saxophonist, vocalist, composer and band leader.
Kabaka recognised Matovu’s contribution
Mayiga also recalled the recognition Matovu and Afrigo Band received from Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II for their contribution to Uganda’s music and cultural heritage.
He pointed to the Kabaka’s recognition of the musician and the band as evidence of the uniqueness and consistency that had defined their work.
Matovu’s contribution extended beyond performing. He was also involved in nurturing younger musicians, a role Mayiga described as one of the lasting gifts he leaves to Uganda’s creative industry.
“The message in his songs, the rhythms of his saxophone and the grooming of young talents are the best gifts Matovu has left us,” Mayiga said.
Matovu had previously spoken about the importance of recruiting and nurturing younger musicians to keep Afrigo Band going, reflecting his long-standing interest in passing musical knowledge to another generation.
Mayiga demands justice
The Katikiro also expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding Matovu’s death and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
“It is so absurd that he died like that,” Mayiga said, urging the government and security agencies to apprehend those responsible.
Police have confirmed that Matovu was attacked at Kibuli Market Zone B in Makindye Division on Thursday morning. He was taken to Kibuli Hospital but later died from his injuries. Police said a task team was investigating the circumstances of the incident and working to identify and apprehend the suspects.
The circumstances and motive surrounding the attack had not been conclusively established as investigations continued.
A lesson for Uganda’s artists
Mayiga urged Ugandan artists to study Matovu’s career, particularly his consistency, discipline and devotion to his profession.
“I urge artists to learn from Matovu, his consistency and loving his job,” he said.
For nearly six decades, Matovu remained closely associated with Uganda’s live-band tradition, helping Afrigo survive changes in musical tastes and generations of performers and audiences. His career has been described as mirroring the development of Uganda’s popular music culture.
His death has therefore prompted tributes not only to a musician and saxophonist, but also to a cultural figure whose career connected Uganda’s older live-band tradition with younger generations of artists.
As mourners gathered at Kibuli Mosque, Mayiga’s tribute framed Matovu’s legacy around three enduring qualities: precision, consistency and an uncompromising love for music.
