Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and his wife, Charlotte Nankunda Kutesa, joined hundreds of mourners on Saturday to bid a final farewell to Cedric Babu Ndilima at his burial in Kamengo.
The prominent Ugandan media personality, sports administrator, and politician passed away on May 31, 2025, at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi after a prolonged battle with heart failure. He was 46.
Gen. Muhoozi, who described Babu as a “brother, close friend, and comrade in the struggle,” served as the chief mourner at the ceremony, which drew relatives, friends, political leaders, and business associates.
The couple’s presence underscored their deep personal connection with Babu, a former schoolmate at St. Mary’s College Kisubi and a key ally in the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), where he served as Vice Chairman for Kampala.
The burial followed a week of vigils and memorial services, including a requiem mass at Rubaga Cathedral on Friday. Mourners gathered at Lugogo Indoor Stadium for a public viewing, honoring Babu’s legacy as a former Davis Cup tennis player and president of the Uganda Tennis Association.
His contributions to media, notably through “The Cedric Live Show” on UBC and the drama “Beneath the Lies,” were also celebrated.
In a heartfelt tribute, Gen. Muhoozi praised Babu’s versatility, noting his excellence in sports, business, and politics. “Cedric stood out with a rich spectrum of talents.
He was a nationalist and patriot who had the courage to participate in governance,” he said, reflecting on Babu’s 2021 bid for the Kampala Central parliamentary seat under the NRM ticket.
Charlotte Kainerugaba, visibly moved, joined her husband in consoling Babu’s family, including his parents, Capt. Francis Babu and Margaret Zziwa, and his wife and three sons.
The family expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, stating, “In every serve, every story, every shared laugh, Cedric gave the world his whole self.”
The ceremony highlighted Babu’s impact across Uganda’s sports, media, and political spheres, but also sparked reflection on the nation’s healthcare system, as his family had struggled to raise funds for a heart transplant.
Despite the somber mood, the event was a testament to Babu’s enduring legacy as a dynamic and beloved figure in Uganda.
