news 27 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Musician's death: Suspect claims he didn't intend to kill Matovu
The key suspect in the death of Ugandan music legend Moses Matovu has reportedly told police that he only punched the musician, who then fell, and that he did not intend to kill him. Vincent Nsamba, also known as Arnold Ronald Ssetenda, was taken back to the crime scene for reconstruction. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/i-didn-t-intend-to-kill-moses-matovu-says-key-suspect-5611568
Vicent Nsamba, the primary suspect in the alleged murder of Moses Matovu, a prominent member of the Afrigo Band, has stated that his intention was not to end the musician’s life. Nsamba reportedly told detectives during a scene reconstruction that he “boxed him and he fell down. But I did not intend to kill him.”
The incident occurred on Thursday morning as Matovu, 77, was walking with his companion, Rose Tumusiime, 26, from her home. Authorities allege that Nsamba waylaid them near where Matovu had parked his vehicle.
A joint security team conducted a scene reconstruction on Thursday and Friday in the Makindye Division, cordoning off roads in the Kibuli Depot and Market Zone B areas. Kampala Metropolitan Police Investigations Commander Milton Birungi Beigumamu led the operation, which involved Tumusiime and the suspect.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala stated that the reconstruction aimed to gather additional evidence for the ongoing investigation into Matovu’s murder. “We have taken the suspects back to the scene to help us obtain more evidence as we continue with investigations into the murder,” Kawala said, assuring the public of progress.
Nsamba reportedly explained to detectives that Tumusiime had requested he visit her as she was feeling unwell, a detail he provided to support his claim of no intent to kill. However, details about when Tumusiime received a call from Matovu relative to Nsamba’s alleged call remain unclear.
According to Tumusiime’s statement, Matovu had called her that night and they met at Rujumbura Bar, later moving to Agaba’s Bar before heading to her home around 4 am. Nsamba claims he arrived at Tumusiime’s residence and, after she initially refused to open, smashed a window in anger. He stated he saw Matovu inside when the door was opened and then left. In the ensuing confrontation, Nsamba allegedly punched Matovu, causing him to fall. Nsamba then fled the scene on a motorcycle and was later apprehended by police in Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District.
Nsamba is expected to be produced in court this week to face murder charges, pending sanctioning by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Moses Matovu was buried last Friday in Kyanja, Kampala.