Cedric Babu Ndilima, a prominent media personality and son of veteran Ugandan politician Capt. Francis Babu and business leader Olive Zaitun Kigongo, has passed away at the age of 49.
His death follows a brave but ultimately unsuccessful effort by his family and friends to raise funds for a critical heart transplant in the United Kingdom.
Cedric had been battling a serious heart condition and collapsed earlier this month while attending a tennis tournament in Kigali, Rwanda.
He was airlifted to Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Despite intensive medical care, he passed away before he could be transferred abroad for further treatment.
In the final weeks of his life, his family launched a public fundraising appeal to raise £300,000 (around UGX 1.5 billion) for the life-saving procedure. A GoFundMe campaign, widely shared across social media, attracted heartfelt support from friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. However, the necessary funds were not secured in time.
Born on August 31, 1976, in Kenya, Cedric came from a family deeply involved in Uganda’s political and public spheres. His father, Capt. Francis Babu, is a respected former minister and aviator, while his mother, Olive Zaitun Kigongo, is a noted entrepreneur and public figure.
Cedric carved his own path in leadership and public life. In 2021, he contested for the Kampala Central parliamentary seat under the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), reflecting his dedication to public service and civic engagement.
News of his passing has left many in grief, particularly those who followed his recent health battle or knew him personally.
Tributes have been pouring in across social media, remembering Cedric as a warm-hearted, ambitious, and committed individual who sought to make a positive impact in his community.
Funeral arrangements and additional details are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.
