Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, is mourning the sudden death of former Busiro South Member of Parliament Charles Matovu, who passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the age of 41. Matovu died at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala after developing a sudden health complication earlier in the week. His unexpected death has shocked members of the National Unity Platform (NUP), political colleagues and supporters who knew him during his time in Parliament.
Bobi Wine expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the former legislator, describing him as a brother, comrade and fellow leader. In a message shared on X, the NUP president said he had received disturbing news about Matovu’s abrupt death. He also maintained that Matovu’s parliamentary victory had been stolen during the January 2026 elections. “Very shocking news! May God strengthen all of us,” Bobi Wine wrote, expressing the pain felt by those who worked alongside the former MP.
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya provided details about Matovu’s final days, explaining that the former legislator developed a sudden health complication on Monday night, October 19. His family reportedly rushed him to Lubaga Hospital for treatment. When Rubongoya visited him on Thursday morning, Matovu was in critical condition and could neither speak nor open his eyes, although he was still alive. The situation left his relatives and political colleagues deeply worried about his recovery.
Doctors later transferred Matovu to Mulago National Referral Hospital for further medical investigations, but he died shortly afterwards. Rubongoya announced the sad news, describing the development as extremely shocking. By Thursday evening, the family had not publicly disclosed the exact cause of death. The sudden deterioration of Matovu’s health has left many people searching for answers, although no confirmed explanation had been provided at the time of reporting.
Matovu’s death comes at a time when he was pursuing a court case challenging his defeat in the January 2026 parliamentary elections. The Electoral Commission declared National Resistance Movement candidate Kenan Opio the winner of the Busiro South race with 36,497 votes, against Matovu’s 30,487. Unhappy with the outcome, the former MP petitioned the High Court in Entebbe, alleging electoral irregularities and violations of electoral laws that he believed had affected the results.
The election dispute remained unresolved when Matovu died. On September 25, 2026, the High Court dismissed his application seeking access to additional electoral materials, ruling that his requests lacked sufficient detail. However, the decision did not determine the main election petition. Justice Johnson Karemani began hearing the substantive case on October 16, just six days before Matovu’s death. His passing has consequently raised questions about the future of the legal proceedings.
Born on April 1, 1985, Matovu was an electrical engineer who represented Busiro South in Wakiso District during Uganda’s 11th Parliament from 2021 to 2026. He entered Parliament after winning the 2021 general elections on the NUP ticket. His political journey also featured tensions during the 2025–2026 campaigns. In December 2025, NUP reported that men allegedly dressed in security uniforms attacked Matovu and members of his campaign team while they were canvassing for votes, leaving some injured and requiring treatment at Mengo Hospital.
Matovu’s sudden death has dealt a painful blow to his family, friends and fellow opposition leaders, many of whom are remembering his years of public service. Bobi Wine and other NUP officials have expressed grief over the loss as the family prepares to announce funeral arrangements. While the exact cause of Matovu’s final illness remains undisclosed, his passing at just 41 has left many Ugandans shocked. His death also leaves his election petition unresolved, adding another difficult chapter to the political dispute that followed his defeat.
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