By Babu, the son of veteran politician and former minister Capt. Francis Babu, passed away on Saturday, May 31, as the country rallied to support his medical treatment. His death was confirmed just days after widespread appeals, including from Sports Minister Peter Ogwang, who contributed $2,000 and urged Ugandans to “put humanity above politics.”
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The former Kinetic Group CEO and President of the Uganda Tennis Association had reportedly been battling a heart condition that required urgent surgical intervention overseas. The campaign to raise funds for his treatment had gained traction on social media, prompting both support and a critical national conversation about access to healthcare for public figures.
Babu, who was in his early 40s, was a well-known figure in Uganda’s media, sports, and political spaces. He gained early fame as a tennis star before transitioning into events management, founding Kinetic, which promoted major concerts and artists throughout the 2000s.
In 2018, he joined the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) as head of Corporate Affairs and Marketing, leading efforts to modernize the national broadcaster. His work was credited with improving the station’s image and expanding its youth appeal.
Beyond media, Babu had a deep passion for sports development. As head of the Uganda Tennis Association, he championed grassroots tennis and youth sports, overseeing programs that nurtured emerging talent. He also served in advisory capacities across various sports federations.
In 2020, Babu entered the political arena, contesting the Kampala Central MP seat on the NRM ticket in the 2021 general elections. Although he lost to incumbent Muhammad Nsereko, he remained active in civic spaces and was a vocal proponent of youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and national pride.
His death sparked mixed reactions online. While many expressed sorrow and paid tribute to his legacy, others raised concerns over what they described as political amnesia and institutional failures.
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“This is not just about humanity. It’s about the broken system that made this necessary,” wrote one user on X. Another added, “You can’t separate the fire from the arsonist. People are not mocking the sick; they’re mourning a failed state.”
Babu’s passing comes as a sobering reminder of the gaps in Uganda’s healthcare system, even for prominent figures. It also marks the loss of a charismatic, forward-looking leader who blended legacy politics with modern advocacy.
