Cedric Babu Ndilima, a celebrated Ugandan media personality, sports administrator, and political figure, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the age of 46. His death occurred at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, where he had been receiving intensive care following complications from a severe heart condition .
Earlier in May, Babu collapsed while attending a tennis tournament in Kigali, Rwanda, where he had accompanied his son. He was subsequently airlifted to Nairobi, where doctors diagnosed him with severe heart failure, recommending an urgent heart transplant as his only chance of survival .
In response, his family and friends launched a fundraising campaign aiming to raise £300,000 (approximately UGX 1.5 billion) to facilitate the transplant in the United Kingdom. Despite widespread support, the effort fell short, and Babu succumbed to his illness before the procedure could be arranged .
Cedric Babu was the son of veteran politician Captain Francis Babu and former East African Legislative Assembly Speaker Margaret Nantongo Zziwa. He first gained national attention in the early 2000s as a charismatic television presenter, notably hosting “The Cedric Live Show” on Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC). UBC paid tribute to him, stating, “Through The Cedric Live Show, he brought insight and vibrance to our screens. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones”
Beyond media, Babu was a prominent figure in Ugandan sports. He was a former national tennis champion and served as captain of Uganda’s Davis Cup team. Later, he became President of the Uganda Tennis Association, advocating for grassroots development and Uganda’s reintegration into global tennis circuits .
In 2010, he founded Kinetic Management Group (KMG), one of Uganda’s pioneering talent management firms, mentoring artists and collaborating with NGOs and corporate brands. His acting role as Mr. Stephen Amaru in the popular Ugandan drama series “Beneath the Lies” further showcased his artistic range.
Politically, Babu served as Vice Chairperson of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) for Kampala and contested for the Kampala Central parliamentary seat in 2021, focusing on youth empowerment and digital innovation .
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. Babu leaves behind a young family and a legacy that spans Uganda’s media, sports, political, and entertainment sectors