Africa-Press – Uganda. Cedric Babu Ndilima, the charismatic media personality, former national tennis star, talent manager, and political aspirant, has died.
He was 46.The family confirmed his passing today, weeks after he suffered a massive heart attack while on a trip to Kigali, Rwanda, and was airlifted to a Kenyan hospital in Nairobi for specialised care.
He had remained in intensive care as his loved ones rallied public support to raise Shs1.5 billion to facilitate a heart transplant — a life-saving procedure that ultimately never came in time.
Born to veteran politician Captain Francis Babu and Olive Zaitun Kigongo, Cedric had been a household name in Uganda since the early 2000s.
He first captured national attention as a magnetic television presenter, a role that showcased his charm and communication prowess.
But his roots were even deeper in sports, where he rose through the ranks to become a national tennis champion and later served as captain of Uganda’s Davis Cup team.
He would go on to become President of the Uganda Tennis Association, pushing for grassroots development and Uganda’s reintegration into global tennis circuits.
His legacy in sport was matched by an equally impactful one in the creative and corporate sectors.
In 2010, Cedric founded Kinetic Management Group (KMG), one of Uganda’s first serious talent management firms.
Through it, he mentored artists, collaborated with NGOs and corporate brands, and championed the value of creativity as a tool for national transformation.
KMG quickly became a hub for young visionaries in music, sports, and public affairs.
Cedric’s acting role as Mr Stephen Amaru in the popular Ugandan drama series Beneath the Lies reflected his artistic range and widened his appeal, especially among Kampala’s growing urban youth population.
In 2021, he threw his hat into the political ring, contesting for the Kampala Central parliamentary seat.
His campaign focused on youth empowerment, digital innovation, and nurturing Uganda’s creative economy.
Though he lost, many credited him with energising urban voter discourse and leaving an indelible impression on the political landscape.
A cosmopolitan thinker, Cedric’s education spanned Kenya, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and the United States, where he earned a degree in International Business Administration from the University of Florida.
Those close to him described him as purposeful, loyal to his country, and deeply committed to mentoring the next generation.
His illness, which struck earlier this month, triggered an outpouring of love, prayers, and financial contributions from friends, former colleagues, sports federations, and media personalities.
The family’s fundraising appeal evoked a nationwide effort to help one of Uganda’s most recognisable public figures.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced, but the family has promised to honour his legacy with dignity.
Cedric Babu leaves behind a young family and a trail of achievements that criss-cross Uganda’s media, sports, political, and entertainment worlds — a testament to a life lived at full throttle, even if it ended far too soon.
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