When did Cedric Babu die?
Kampala, Uganda — Uganda is in mourning following the death of Cedric Babu Ndilima, a widely respected media personality, former tennis star, sports administrator, and political figure, who passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the age of 46. His death follows a high-profile public campaign to raise UGX 1.5 billion for a heart transplant after he was diagnosed with end-stage heart failure earlier this month.
Cedric’s death marks the end of a life lived boldly across many domains — from international sports and entertainment to national politics and civic engagement. He was more than just a public figure; Cedric embodied the spirit of a modern, evolving Uganda.
Are some Ugandans celebrating his death?
While many Ugandans are mourning Cedric Babu’s death with deep sorrow and respect, a vocal section of the public has responded with a starkly different sentiment. On various social media platforms, some users have expressed a controversial sense of indifference or even satisfaction at his passing, citing his political affiliation with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and his close ties to General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of President Yoweri Museveni.
To these critics, Cedric represented a continuation of what they view as an entrenched system of power — a 40-year rule marked by nepotism, suppression of dissent, and economic inequality. In their eyes, his alignment with Muhoozi’s political ambitions made him complicit in the perpetuation of that legacy. This polarizing reaction underscores the deep political divisions in Uganda today, where even the death of a national figure becomes a flashpoint for broader debates about governance, accountability, and generational change.
A Childhood of Exposure and Aspiration
Cedric Babu was born in 1979 into a prominent Ugandan family. He was the son of Captain Francis Babu, a long-serving politician and former government minister, and Olive Zaitun Kigongo, an influential businesswoman and former president of the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. His parents’ leadership in both political and business arenas shaped his worldview from an early age.
Cedric spent his formative years living across multiple continents — from Uganda to India and later to the United Kingdom and the United States. This multicultural upbringing exposed him to different cultures and perspectives, and it nurtured a deep appreciation for diversity and diplomacy. His early travels would later inform his professional demeanor and cross-sectoral adaptability.
Tennis: A First Passion
Before the bright lights of television studios and political podiums, Cedric first made a name for himself on the tennis court. He rose through the ranks to become one of Uganda’s finest tennis players, representing the country in numerous international competitions, including the Davis Cup.
He captained the national team and later served as President of the Uganda Tennis Association. In this role, he became a vocal advocate for youth involvement in sports, development of tennis infrastructure, and Uganda’s re-engagement with the international sports fraternity. His leadership reinvigorated interest in tennis in Uganda, especially among young people, and he was hailed as a visionary in grassroots sports development.
A Star in Media
In the early 2000s, Cedric transitioned from athlete to media personality. His articulate speech, magnetic presence, and ability to connect with people made him a beloved figure on Ugandan television. His most iconic project was “The Cedric Live Show,” a talk show that blended celebrity interviews, current affairs, and cultural commentary with a youthful and intelligent flair.
Cedric used media not just as a platform for entertainment but as a tool for dialogue, public awareness, and civic education. His charisma and eloquence made him a trusted voice on national issues, and he inspired many aspiring broadcasters to follow in his footsteps.
A Political Aspirant and Thought Leader
Never one to shy away from responsibility, Cedric entered the political sphere with characteristic enthusiasm and sincerity. He served as the Vice Chairman of the Progressive League of Uganda (PLU), where he championed youth empowerment, transparency, and inclusive governance.
In the 2021 general elections, he contested for the Kampala Central parliamentary seat. Though he did not win, his campaign was marked by professionalism, issue-based dialogue, and deep community engagement. He remained an active commentator on political affairs, frequently calling for innovation in governance and national unity across ethnic and political divides.
A Sudden Health Crisis
Cedric’s vibrant life was tragically disrupted in May 2025 when he collapsed while attending a tennis tournament in Kigali, Rwanda. He was immediately flown to Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, where doctors diagnosed him with advanced heart failure.
His medical team recommended an urgent heart transplant — a complex and costly procedure that could only be performed abroad. His family, friends, and supporters quickly mobilized a nationwide fundraising campaign to raise UGX 1.5 billion (approximately £300,000). The campaign drew support from across Uganda and the diaspora, with contributions coming in from all walks of life — media personalities, politicians, sports federations, and ordinary citizens alike.
Billboards, social media drives, radio telethons, and charity events were organized in his honor. Uganda rallied behind him with the same passion he had given to the nation for decades. But despite the collective effort and overwhelming support, time was not on his side.
A Nation Grieves
News of Cedric Babu’s death spread quickly on the morning of May 31. Tributes poured in from every corner of society. The Uganda Broadcasting Corporation issued a heartfelt statement mourning the loss of one of the country’s most gifted broadcasters. The Uganda Tennis Association praised his visionary leadership, while political parties across the spectrum expressed sorrow at the passing of a leader who believed in dialogue over division.
Social media platforms were flooded with messages of grief and admiration. Celebrities, former athletes, government officials, and fans alike shared personal stories of how Cedric had touched their lives — as a mentor, a colleague, a role model, and a friend. In homes, offices, and sports clubs around the country, people mourned not just the death of a man, but the loss of what he represented: excellence, empathy, and hope.
Legacy of a Renaissance Man
Cedric Babu Ndilima’s life defies easy categorization. He was an athlete who became a cultural icon, a broadcaster who stepped into politics, and a son of Uganda who always sought to give more than he received.
He leaves behind a legacy that transcends tennis courts, television screens, and ballot boxes. He was an advocate for young people, a champion of open discourse, and a bridge between generations. His work in sports development laid the foundation for future athletes. His television work reshaped Ugandan broadcasting. His political ideals continue to inspire those seeking to lead with purpose.
Though his life ended far too soon, Cedric Babu lived fully. His story is a reminder that one life, when lived with passion and integrity, can touch countless others and help shape the soul of a nation.
Uganda has lost a son, but the memory of Cedric Babu Ndilima will endure — in every child who picks up a tennis racket, in every young journalist with a dream, and in every Ugandan who dares to believe that service, art, and leadership can indeed coexist.
Rest in peace, Cedric. You played your game with grace. Your light will not go out.
