Former Busiro South Member of Parliament Charles Matovu has died aged 41, prompting an outpouring of grief among leaders and supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP).

NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, expressed shock over Matovu’s death, describing him as a comrade and fellow leader in the opposition struggle.

In his tribute, Kyagulanyi called for strength and comfort among party members as they come to terms with the loss.
“Very shocking news. May God strengthen all of us,” Kyagulanyi said.

Matovu, a trained electrical engineer, was born on April 1, 1985, according to his profile on the Parliament of Uganda website. He represented Busiro South Constituency in Wakiso District during the 11th Parliament after being elected on the NUP ticket.

His death comes months after he contested unsuccessfully for re-election in the January 15, 2026, parliamentary elections.

Matovu lost the seat to National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Kenan Opio, who was declared the winner following the election.

Official court records indicate that Matovu secured 30,487 votes, while Opio obtained 36,497 votes.

Dissatisfied with the outcome, the former legislator petitioned the High Court in Entebbe, challenging the results on grounds that included alleged electoral irregularities and violations of electoral laws.

The legal dispute continued after the election. On September 25, 2026, the High Court rejected an application in which Matovu had sought access to additional electoral materials, ruling that the documents he wanted had not been sufficiently specified.

The decision related to his request for access to the materials and was separate from the main election petition challenging the results.

Matovu’s final months in elective politics were also marked by controversy during the 2025–2026 campaign period.

In December 2025, NUP reported that Matovu and members of his campaign team had been attacked by individuals alleged to have been wearing uniforms. The party said those affected received medical treatment at Mengo Hospital.

His passing marks the loss of a former legislator who participated in Uganda’s opposition politics and represented constituents in Wakiso District.

Tributes from within NUP have highlighted the shock surrounding his death, with Kyagulanyi urging party members to remain strong during the difficult period.

Details regarding the circumstances of Matovu’s death, including its cause, the location where he died and funeral arrangements, had not been independently confirmed by the time of publication.