By Mulengera Reporters
Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director Nyombi Thembo has joined government leaders in celebrating the thanksgiving ceremony of State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Alioni Yorke Odria, in Yumbe District, while reaffirming government support for the family of the late Afrigo Band legend Moses Matovu.
Thembo attended Odria’s thanksgiving ceremony at Drajin Hill Seed Secondary School in Aringa South, Yumbe District, alongside the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba, other leaders and well-wishers.
In a message shared after the event, Thembo congratulated Odria and pledged UCC’s continued collaboration with ministry leadership to advance Uganda’s digital transformation agenda.
President Yoweri Museveni appointed Odria, the Member of Parliament for Aringa South County, as State Minister for ICT and National Guidance in charge of National Guidance on May 27, 2026, replacing Godfrey Kabbyanga Baluku in a cabinet reshuffle.
Away from that, Thembo also accompanied State Minister for ICT Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo in delivering President Museveni’s condolences to the family of the late Moses Matovu, popularly known as Papa Moi.
During the visit, the delegation communicated government plans to honour Matovu’s contribution to Uganda’s creative industry, including an official commemoration of his legacy and the construction of a family residence on his land in Mukono, with UCC coordinating the initiative.
Government also pledged full sponsorship for Matovu’s daughter, who is pursuing her fourth year of medical studies at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU). The support will cover her remaining tuition fees and medical internship costs.
Matovu, a celebrated saxophonist and founding figure of Afrigo Band, died aged 77 after reportedly being attacked by unidentified assailants in Kampala.
His death on September 25, 2025, marked the end of a musical career spanning more than five decades, during which he helped shape Uganda’s modern popular music.
Through Afrigo Band, Matovu remained a prominent figure across generations, leaving behind a rich musical catalogue that includes Jim, Sirikusuula, Abaana ba Afrigo and Olumbe Lw’Obwavu.
The government’s proposed initiatives are intended to recognise his enduring contribution to Uganda’s music industry while supporting his family following his death.
