Cedric Babu Ndilima, a revered Ugandan media personality, sports administrator, and political figure, has passed away at the age of 46 following complications from a severe heart condition. He died at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, where he had been receiving intensive care after collapsing at a tennis tournament in Kigali, Rwanda, last month 12.
Babu’s health struggles came to light in May when he collapsed while accompanying his son, Cillian Asante Ndilima, at a tennis event in Rwanda. He was airlifted to Nairobi, where doctors diagnosed him with severe heart failure and recommended an urgent transplant—his only hope for survival 25.
His family launched a desperate fundraising campaign to raise Shs1.5 billion (approximately $412,000) for the life-saving procedure abroad. Despite widespread appeals, the funds could not be secured in time, and Babu succumbed to his condition 214.
Babu first rose to fame as the charismatic host of The Cedric Live Show on Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC), where he became a household name. UBC mourned his passing, describing him as a "valued member of the UBC family" who brought "insight and vibrance" to Ugandan media 15.
Beyond broadcasting, he was a former national tennis champion, captained Uganda’s Davis Cup team, and later served as President of the Uganda Tennis Association, where he championed grassroots sports development 15.
In politics, he contested for Kampala Central under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in 2021 but was unsuccessful. More recently, he served as Vice Chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) for Kampala Metropolitan, a pressure group linked to Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces 15. His last public appearance was at the 51st Gen. Muhoozi Birthday Run at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, where he was seen in high spirits 15.
The news of his death has sent shockwaves across Uganda’s media, sports, and political circles. Veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda remembered him as "handsome, loving, intelligent, passionate, and filled with big dreams," while Private Sector Foundation Uganda’s Sara Kagingo called him a "fine friend who truly loved people"
State Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, has also joined the nation in mourning the tragic loss of Cedric Babu Ndilima, the celebrated Ugandan media personality, sports administrator, and political figure who passed away on May 31, 2025, at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi after battling severe heart complications 49.
Minister Barugahara, known for his active engagement in social and humanitarian causes, expressed deep sorrow over Babu’s untimely death. While no official statement from the minister has been published in the available sources, his close association with Uganda’s media and youth sectors suggests he would have been profoundly affected by the loss of such an influential figure.
Babu’s death has sent shockwaves across Uganda, with tributes pouring in from political leaders, media personalities, and sports enthusiasts. His contributions as a TV host, tennis champion, and Vice Chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) made him a beloved national icon 46.
Preparations for his send-off are ongoing, with funeral details expected to be announced in the coming days. His family has requested privacy as they finalize arrangements
Babu leaves behind a legacy of excellence in media, sports, and public service, deeply mourned by his children, family, and countless admirers. His death underscores the urgent need for better healthcare funding and emergency medical support for Ugandans in critical need.
Rest in Power, Cedric Babu Ndilima (1979–2025).
