The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has mourned the passing of Cedric Babu, the Vice Chairman for Kampala on the Central Committee of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), describing him as a close friend, patriot, and multi-talented leader.
Cedric Babu, a renowned sportsman and political figure, died at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. He had been airlifted there after collapsing in Kigali, Rwanda. At the time of his death, Cedric and his family were actively seeking £300,000 (approximately UGX 1.2 billion) to fund a life-saving heart transplant.
“I join the family of Capt. Francis Babu to mourn the passing of my brother, my close friend and comrade in the struggle, Cedric Babu,” Gen. Muhoozi said in a heartfelt tribute.
He praised Cedric’s diverse talents and contributions, particularly his outstanding achievements in sports and politics. “He played tennis with a skill that made him among the best our country has ever produced,” Gen. Muhoozi noted.
Aside from his sports accolades, Cedric was also a successful businessman. Gen. Muhoozi commended him for breaking the mold of many elite Ugandan youth by actively participating in national politics.
“He won the NRM primaries for the Kampala Central parliamentary seat in the last elections against more experienced rivals. Even though he lost in the general elections, he never gave up the struggle,” he said.
Gen. Muhoozi described Cedric as an eternal optimist who was always focused on building a better future. “He is survived by a wife and three handsome boys who love sports like their father did.”
He added: “It is for all these talents and many more that I appointed him Vice Chairman for Kampala on the Central Committee of PLU. He was a great addition to the team, and we shall miss him immensely. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”