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Ugandan sports and media personality Cedric Babu Ndilima has passed away, succumbing to heart-related complications.
Babu’s family announced Saturday, May 31, 2025, that he departed peacefully at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, after a long and courageous battle with illness.
He was aged 46
“Cherished as a father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, Cedric was deeply loved by all who knew him,” the family confirmed.
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The family said it was grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers, and support shown throughout his journey.
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A Rapidly Deteriorating Health Battle
Cedric’s health crisis began in early May when he collapsed during a tennis tournament in Kigali, Rwanda, where he had accompanied his son, Cillian Asante Ndilima, a rising tennis star.
He was immediately airlifted to Nairobi’s Aga Khan University Hospital and admitted to intensive care.
Diagnosed with severe heart failure, his condition deteriorated swiftly, leaving doctors to recommend a heart transplant as his only chance of survival.
However, the procedure required specialised treatment abroad, prompting urgent efforts to evacuate him to London or India.
In response, family, friends, and supporters launched a fundraising campaign aiming to raise £300,000 to cover the transplant and related expenses. Despite these efforts and his brave fight, Cedric succumbed to the illness.
A Legacy in Media and Sports
Cedric Babu was a well-known Ugandan media personality and sports administrator. He gained prominence through hosting the popular “Cedric Live Show” on Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) and producing acclaimed local drama Beneath the Lies.
Beyond media, Cedric’s contributions to sports were notable; he was a former Davis Cup tennis player and served as President of the Uganda Tennis Association.
In 2021, he pursued a parliamentary seat for Kampala Central under the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, though his bid was unsuccessful. His presence in Uganda’s public life was marked by dedication, passion, and commitment.
Family Background and Personal Dedication
Cedric hailed from a distinguished family with a history of public service and business leadership. His father, Francis Babu, was a respected government minister, while his mother, Olive Zaitun Kigongo, is a prominent businesswoman and CEO of the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI).
In recent years, Cedric devoted much of his time to supporting his son Cillian’s burgeoning tennis career, with the young athlete training at the prestigious Evert Tennis Academy in the United States.
Details regarding vigils and funeral arrangements will be shared in due course according to the family statement.
They have asked for continued thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.