Chief of Defense Forces and First Son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, delivered a deeply emotional tribute at the burial of his longtime friend, the late Cedric Babu, describing him as a loyal companion, one you could count on in any situation.
Speaking to mourners during the burial in Kemengo in Mpigi, Gen. Muhoozi reflected on their decades-long friendship with heartfelt sincerity.
“Cedric was a loyal friend. I could always count on him,” he said, his voice filled with emotion.
Last moments
He recounted the final moments they shared just days before Cedric traveled to Kigali, Rwanda, where he would later suffer complications that led to his passing.
“We had a long conversation when he came to visit me in Entebbe. That was rare, we usually met in public or at official events,” Muhoozi said. “We spoke about life, family, and his future plans. I didn’t know then that it would be the last time I’d see him. Looking back, it feels like he came to say goodbye.”
After collapsing at a tennis tournament in Kigali, Rwanda, he was airlifted to Nairobi where he died on May 31 at age 50, leaving behind a legacy bridging sport, media, business, and politics.
Though hopeful when he first learned of Cedric’s heart complications, Muhoozi shared that he was confident his friend would recover. “But God had other plans,” he added, somberly.
He extended deep gratitude to Cedric’s mother, Olive Kigongo, and the entire family for keeping him informed during the difficult days. “They did everything they could to save their son and brother,” he said, visibly moved.
Muhoozi reminisced about their shared childhood in exile during the 1980s.
“We first met in Nairobi as children. Our families were close. Later, my family moved to Sweden, and we lost touch for a while. But we reconnected in school, first at Kampala Parents, then in secondary school, and we became great friends.”
Cedric, he said, was not just a loyal friend but a talented sportsman and patriot.
“I remember seeing him play tennis at Lugogo, he was incredibly gifted and popular. Beyond sports, Cedric had a deep love for his country. He believed in contributing meaningfully to Uganda’s progress, even stepping into politics during the last elections,” he noted.
Though Cedric did not win in last in the 2021 general elections, Muhoozi shared that he was still passionate about public service. “He told me he was preparing for a political comeback. He was optimistic and always looked forward to the future with hope.”
In a touching assurance to Cedric’s family, Muhoozi promised continued support.
“As his friends, we will stay close to his children and loved ones. That’s what Cedric would’ve wanted.”
He praised Cedric’s father, Capt. Francis Babu, for raising a remarkable son, and thanked everyone who stood by Cedric during his final days.
“Cedric was unique. You rarely see children from elite families choosing to enter politics out of a sense of duty, but Cedric was different. He wanted to serve, and he was ready to give so much for Uganda.”
As he concluded, Gen. Muhoozi reflected on the enduring impact of Cedric’s life:
“His legacy lives on, in his children, in the friendships he built, and in the causes he championed. We thank God for the 50 years we had with him, and we will always remember and treasure him.”
In his condolence message delivered by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, the President of UIganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni expressed profound sorrow over Cedric’s passing, calling it a painful loss given the immense potential he held for the future.
The President noted that Cedric possessed a remarkable ability to mobilize and inspire others, qualities that marked him as a promising and emerging leader.
