Kamengo, Mpigi District – On June 7, 2025, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Adviser on Special Operations, paid an emotional tribute to his childhood friend Cedric Babu at his burial in Kamengo, Mpigi District.
Accompanied by his wife, Charlotte, Gen Kainerugaba described Cedric as a loyal, dependable friend and a true patriot who loved Uganda deeply.
“Cedric was a loyal friend. You could count on him in any situation,” said Gen Kainerugaba, reflecting on a friendship that began in the 1980s in Nairobi during their families’ exile. The two briefly parted ways when Kainerugaba moved to Sweden, but reconnected in 1988 at St. Mary’s College Kisubi, where their bond grew stronger. “We became great, great friends,” he added.
The General highlighted Cedric’s passion for tennis, noting his popularity as a talented player. He recalled their final meeting at his Entebbe home days before Cedric’s tragic collapse in Kigali, where he had accompanied his son to a tennis tournament.
Diagnosed with heart failure, Cedric’s condition was initially thought to be manageable, but Gen Kainerugaba said, “God had other plans, and we’ve lost Cedric.”
During their last conversation, Cedric shared his aspirations, including plans to contribute to Uganda’s development through politics. A leader in the Patriotic League of Uganda and a candidate for Kampala Central MP in 2021, Cedric was committed to serving his country despite his elite upbringing.
“He was a patriot willing to sacrifice a lot for Uganda,” the General said.
Gen Kainerugaba pledged to support Cedric’s three sons, emphasising the debt of friendship owed to him. He also thanked Cedric’s parents, Francis Babu and Olive Kigongo, for their care during his hospitalisation.
The funeral drew former and current national leaders, with friends and relatives remembering Cedric as a loving and caring figure whose loss will be deeply felt. Cedric Babu is survived by his wife and three sons.
