Babu, 48, reportedly battled the undiagnosed condition for years until his body finally gave way in late April while on a trip to Kigali, Rwanda.
Kampala, Uganda: The cause of death of prominent Ugandan businessman and media personality Cedric Babu has been revealed as complications from an aggressive and rare heart condition linked to iron overload disorder, his family disclosed during a requiem mass held Friday at Rubaga Cathedral.
The deeply moving service, attended by high-profile dignitaries including the Nnabagereka of Buganda Sylvia Nagginda, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, and Security Minister Maj Gen (Rtd) Jim Muhwezi, was marked by a stirring eulogy delivered by family physician Dr. Amanda Mbonye.
Babu, 48, reportedly battled the undiagnosed condition for years until his body finally gave way in late April while on a trip to Kigali, Rwanda. “Cedric’s body managed to compensate for his failing heart for a very, very long time, much longer than most,” Dr. Amanda, whom Babu affectionately called “Baby Doc,” told mourners.
“He was always upbeat, always pushing through. He masked how unwell he truly was, both physically and emotionally, until his body simply could not keep up any longer.”
While in Kigali, Babu suddenly collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, where doctors drained fluid from his lungs and discovered his heart was functioning at dangerously reduced levels. He was later airlifted to Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi for specialist treatment.
It was there that doctors discovered hemochromatosis, a rare iron overload disorder that had quietly wreaked havoc on his heart, liver, and other organs. “Cedric’s iron levels at the time of his presentation were extremely elevated, much higher than most of the doctors had seen before,” she revealed.
Dr. Mbonye noted that the condition, although common in some populations, is exceedingly rare among Africans and had gone undetected in Babu’s routine medical tests due to his normal hemoglobin levels.
Aggressive treatment using chelation therapy was started to reduce the iron levels, but it was too late; Babu’s heart was already extensively damaged, and he soon developed multiple organ failure.
Plans to transfer him to the United Kingdom for advanced care and possible transplant support using a heart-lung machine were explored but never materialized due to the speed of his deterioration.
“Cedric’s final moments were filled with peace, surrounded by those who loved him most,” Dr. Amanda said. “There are few moments in life where the beauty of love and the sorrow of loss coexist so clearly. He was wrapped in prayer, in presence, and in deep, unwavering love.”
Dr. Mbonye used the platform to urge greater awareness and medical capacity around complex heart diseases in Africa. “Heart failure is a very complex case, even in the best of medical facilities. Cedric’s story is a powerful reminder of the need for better resources to prepare patients and support their families.”
Babu, known for his roles in sports, media, and entrepreneurship, leaves behind a grieving family, a wide circle of admirers, and a legacy defined by resilience and courage.
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