Moses Matovu: The Unsung Development Actor

Uganda is currently reflecting on the profound impact of Moses Matovu, the celebrated saxophonist and leader of the iconic Afrigo Band. While his musical contributions and mentorship are widely acknowledged, there’s another facet of Matovu’s influence that warrants recognition: his role as an unwitting development actor.

For a decade, working alongside Matovu and Afrigo Band, it became apparent that development often arrives in unexpected forms, unlabelled and unheralded. A prime example occurred in 1992 when African Culture Promotions (ACP) brought Afrigo Band to Britain. At a time when HIV/Aids was deeply affecting Ugandan families both at home and abroad, and British services often struggled to reach African communities, Afrigo Band achieved just that.

The band’s performances drew thousands of Ugandans, transforming musical gatherings into crucial spaces for communication. This fostered relationships and built trust, bridging gaps between the African diaspora and British service providers. Through these interactions, cultural nuances were shared, enabling professionals to better tailor their approaches to service delivery, leading to more culturally sensitive and effective outcomes for African communities in Britain.

Simultaneously, a societal shift was occurring within Uganda concerning the HIV/Aids epidemic. Initially marked by fear and stigma, the pervasive nature of the virus fostered a collective understanding that its impact extended beyond those infected. The emergence of phrases like ‘Akawuka kaffe’ (our little virus) and ‘zero grazing’ signified a collective ownership of the problem and the adoption of critical public health messaging, demonstrating how shared challenges can unite communities and drive social progress, with Matovu’s music providing a backdrop to these evolving narratives.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/moses-matovu-and-the-development-we-forgot-5619958