Uganda is in mourning following the death of Cedric Babu Ndilima, a well-known public figure, sportsman and businessman, who passed away on 31 May 2025 at the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi. He had been receiving treatment for complications linked to a long-standing heart condition. A fundraising campaign had been underway to support a possible heart transplant in London.
Cedric Babu, son of former government minister Capt Francis Babu and businesswoman Olive Kigongo, was widely regarded for his contributions to both the sporting and political spheres in Uganda. His death has prompted a wave of tributes from senior military figures, government officials, musicians and members of the public.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, described Mr Babu as a “close friend and comrade in the struggle.”
“I join the family of Capt Francis Babu to mourn the passing of my brother, my close friend and comrade… Cedric stood out amongst his peers as an individual who had a rich and wide spectrum of talents,” the general wrote, highlighting Mr Babu’s achievements in tennis and business.
“Cedric was a nationalist and a patriot. Where many children of Uganda’s elite families eschew politics, Cedric had the courage to participate in the governance of his country,” he added.
The two men attended St Mary’s College Kisubi and remained close friends for decades.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among extended “heartfelt condolences to the family of our elder, Hon. Captain Francis Babu,” adding: “May the Lord Almighty grant you the strength to navigate this difficult time, and may Cedric’s soul rest in eternal peace.”
Mr Babu had in recent years been active within the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a political organisation where he served as Vice Chairman for Kampala. The group’s General Secretary, Daudi Kabanda, expressed “great shock” at his passing, describing him as a committed leader and “a good man” whose calm manner and brotherly presence would be sorely missed.
Minister Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo also paid tribute, calling Mr Babu “a vibrant soul whose kindness, laughter, and passion touched us all.”
Andrew Mwenda, a prominent journalist and friend, reflected on Mr Babu’s personality and ambitions: “Handsome, loving, intelligent, passionate and filled with big dreams, Cedric lived a full life and died with grace.”
Tributes also poured in from the Ugandan arts and music community. Singer Ykee Benda wrote simply: “Speechless. Till we meet again my friend.” Music producer Navio recalled Mr Babu as a “straight talker and motivator,” adding that he would be remembered through “the wonderful boys he left behind.”
Government figures also honoured Mr Babu’s legacy. State Minister for Disaster Preparedness, Lillian Aber, described him as “a young man full of humility, honesty and love for people.”
Sarah Kagingo of Soft Power Communications said Mr Babu “left a mark on every court” as a tennis star, and would be remembered for both his sporting and personal legacy.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Acting Spokesperson, Lt Col Chris Magezi, praised Mr Babu’s energy and optimism, calling him “a true Ugandan patriot and Pan-Africanist.”
Lawyer and politician Mukasa Fred Mbidde added his voice, describing Mr Babu’s death as deeply personal: “He has been my true twin and doppelganger… I last felt his warmth and kindness during the last PLU Diaspora conference at Africana.”
Mr Babu is survived by his children and extended family. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
