Former Busiro South Member of Parliament Charles Matovu has died at the age of 41 after a sudden illness that saw him admitted to two hospitals in Kampala on Thursday.

National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya confirmed that Matovu developed an abrupt health complication on Monday evening. He was first taken to Lubaga Hospital, where Rubongoya visited him on Thursday morning and found him critically ill, unable to speak or open his eyes. He was later transferred to Mulago National Referral Hospital for further medical investigations, where he passed away.

NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) described the news as deeply shocking. “Just received very disturbing news concerning the abrupt passing of our brother, comrade and fellow leader, Hon. Charles Matovu, who served as Member of Parliament for Busiro South in the last Parliamentary term and had his victory robbed at gunpoint in the January election. Very shocking news! May God strengthen all of us,” he said.

Matovu, an electrical engineer born on 1 April 1985, represented Busiro South in Wakiso District on the NUP ticket in the 11th Parliament (2021–2026). He sought re-election in the January 15, 2026 parliamentary polls but lost to National Resistance Movement candidate Kenan Opio, who was declared the winner with 36,497 votes against Matovu’s 30,487.

Matovu challenged the results in the High Court in Entebbe, alleging electoral irregularities and non-compliance with the law. The court had commenced hearing of the petition on 16 October, presided over by Justice Johnson Karemani. In September, the same court dismissed a separate application in which Matovu sought access to additional electoral materials, ruling that his request lacked sufficient specificity.

The exact cause of death had not been officially disclosed by Thursday night. Former Chief Opposition Whip John Baptist Nambeshe and other opposition leaders paid tribute, describing Matovu as a committed legislator who consistently represented the interests of his constituents.

His death adds a sombre note to the ongoing legal battles arising from the 2026 parliamentary elections.