Kampala, Uganda: Prominent Ugandan media personality and celebrated sports administrator, Cedric Ndilima Babu, has died at the age of 46, his family confirmed Saturday afternoon.
Babu, a former parliamentary aspirant for Kampala Central and son of veteran politician Francis Babu, lost the battle to heart-related complications following weeks of admission at Kenya’s Aga Khan Hospital in the capital, Nairobi.
Known for his charm, confidence, and youthful political ambitions, Babu had been battling heart disease for several years, but his condition deteriorated in recent weeks, when he collapsed during a tennis match in Kigali, where his son was featuring, prompting a flight admission to Nairobi, where doctors recommended an emergency heart transplant in the UK.
Earlier this week, his family initiated a crowdfunding campaign earlier this week aimed at raising UGX 1.5 billion to fly him to London for the life-saving procedure, but the fundraising drive fell short, both in time and in support, as critics questioned why a figure from a well-off political family needed public funds for such an operation.
Babu’s mother, Margaret Nantongo Zziwa, confirmed Saturday evening the death of his stepson without divulging further details.
A life gone too early
Born into prominence, Cedric Babu was the only son of former Kampala Central Member of Parliament and NRM Veteran Politician, Capt Francis Babu, and his wife, former Kampala Mayor and Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), Hon. Margaret Zziwa.
Some reports, unverified by this publication, claim Cedric was biological son of the former Head of the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce, Ms Olive Zaitun Kigongo, who is said to have been very close with Capt Babu in the 70s.
Cedric spent much of his youth immersed in both sports and media, later evolving into a key figure within Uganda’s media, entertainment, and sports industries.
He attended the prestigious Namasagali College before pursuing studies abroad, including in the United States, where he honed his media and communications skills.
Upon returning to Uganda, Cedric made his mark as a television producer and media personality, later rising to become CEO of Kinetic Management Group, a talent and events company that handled some of Uganda’s biggest entertainers.
Cedric also served as the chairman of the Uganda National Olympic Committee (UNOC) and was deeply involved in the promotion of sports and youth empowerment.
His charisma and eloquence often placed him in the public eye, culminating in his 2021 bid for the Kampala Central parliamentary seat under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party but he lost to incumbent MP Muhammad Nsereko in a hotly contested race, although he remained active in youth-focused advocacy and party mobilization with hopes of a comeback in next year’s elections.
A close confidant of First Son and Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Cedric had recently become increasingly visible in political circles aligned with the Muhoozi Project, an informal movement championing Gen. Muhoozi’s potential succession ambitions.
At the time of his death, he served as PLU’s Vice Chairman for Kampala and Metropolitan. His association with Uganda’s military chief brought him both attention and criticism, but he remained steadfast in his loyalty.
In his final days, those close to him described Cedric as hopeful and prayerful, clinging to life with determination even as his heart grew weaker. He leaves behind a son and an extended family that has played an influential role in Uganda’s public and political life for decades.
Funeral arrangements were yet to be announced by the family by press time.
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