Cedric Babu Ndilima, son of veteran Ugandan politician Capt. Francis Babu and businesswoman Olive Zaitun Kigongo, has passed away in Nairobi today at the age of 49.
Cedric, who had been battling a severe heart condition, was receiving treatment at Aga Khan University Hospital, where he had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following a medical emergency earlier this month. He collapsed during a tennis tournament in Kigali, Rwanda, and was airlifted to Nairobi for urgent care.
Efforts to save his life had recently intensified, with family and friends launching a public fundraising campaign to raise £300,000 (approximately Shs1.4 billion) for a heart transplant in the United Kingdom.
A GoFundMe page and widespread social media appeals were set up in hopes of facilitating his medical evacuation to London. However, the funds were not raised in time.
Cedric was a respected figure in Uganda’s sports and youth development circles. A former president of the Uganda Tennis Association, he had represented the country both as a player and team captain in international tennis events. Beyond sports, he was also known for his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to empowering young people.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.
