Prominent Ugandan Media Personality Cedric Babu Ndilima Dies at 46
https://www.thekampalareport.com/latest/2025053150329/prominent-ugandan-media-personality-cedric-babu-ndilima-dies-at-46.html
Kampala – Cedric Babu Ndilima, a celebrated Ugandan media personality, sports administrator, and political figure, has died at the age of 46, a close family source confirmed Saturday.
Babu’s death follows a recent public fundraising campaign to secure an urgent heart transplant abroad. The exact cause of death has not been officially disclosed.
Earlier this month, Babu collapsed during a tennis tournament in Kigali, Rwanda, and was airlifted to Nairobi for emergency care. Doctors diagnosed him with severe heart failure, recommending a transplant as his only hope for survival.
Businessman and politician Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, known as Balaam, shared a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter):
“Dear friends of Cedric Babu, thank you for standing with him in this trial. Shame on those celebrating his sickness—today it’s him, tomorrow it’s another. Let’s pray for his family. Beware of scammers and verify fundraising efforts. Special thanks to Gen. @mkainerugaba for his generous support. Humphrey Nzeyi leads the fundraising. Kindly donate to the official accounts. I’ve made my contribution. May God bless you. ‘The prayer of faith will save the sick’—James 5:15.”
Family’s Appeal for Assistance
Babu’s heart condition became public in May after he collapsed at a Kigali tennis tournament, where he had accompanied his son, Cillian Asante Ndilima.
Family and supporters launched a campaign to raise £300,000 (approx. 1.5 billion Ugandan shillings) for his transplant and medical expenses. In a statement Friday, the family expressed gratitude for the support received and appealed for further assistance:
“We have received many inquiries about financial aid. As we prepare for his transfer, we urgently need funds for his evacuation and treatment. We welcome contributions from all who wish to help.”
Donations were directed to:
- Stanbic Bank Uganda Ltd (Account Name: Stamos Konstantinos, Dollar Account No. 9030002800399, Forest Mall)
- ABSA Bank (Account Name: Siki Salima Kigongo, KSH Account No. 2040869096, Branch Westland No. 73, SWIFT: BARCKENX)
- Direct contributions to Ola Bunyenyezi and Yvonne Babu at Nairobi Hospital, or in Kampala to Costa Stamos at Platia.
A Legacy in Media, Sports, and Politics
Cedric Babu Ndilima hosted the “Cedric Live Show” on UBC and produced the acclaimed drama Beneath the Lies. A former Davis Cup player, he also served as President of the Uganda Tennis Association.
In 2021, he entered politics, contesting for Kampala Central under the NRM party, though unsuccessfully. He was the son of former minister Francis Babu and prominent businesswoman Olive Zaitun Kigongo, CEO of the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI).
The family pledged updates and requested continued prayers. A GoFundMe appeal described him as “our father, brother, son, uncle, friend, and bright light,” urging support to give him a second chance at life.
Those unable to contribute financially were encouraged to share the campaign widely.
