Cedric Babu Ndilima, a well-known face in Uganda’s sports, media, and political circles, is fighting for his life following a massive heart attack earlier this month.
The 46-year-old collapsed while on a trip to Kigali, Rwanda, and was airlifted to Nairobi after his condition deteriorated.
Doctors have since confirmed that his only hope lies in a heart transplant abroad.
Now in intensive care, Cedric's family has launched a Shs1.5 billion fundraising appeal to facilitate his transfer to London for the life-saving procedure.
“Cedric — our father, brother, son, uncle, friend, and bright light — is currently in the ICU, courageously fighting for his life… His only chance of survival now lies in a heart transplant,” reads a statement from the family.
Born to veteran politician Capt. Francis Babu and Olive Kigongo, the long-time chief executive of Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Cedric Babu has spent over two decades carving out an impressive legacy across diverse sectors.
He first gained national attention in the early 2000s as a magnetic television presenter, but behind the charm was a powerhouse of sporting talent.
A former national tennis champion, Cedric represented Uganda in the Davis Cup, where he served both as a player and later as team captain.
His passion for the game later saw him take the helm as President of the Uganda Tennis Association, where he focused on grassroots development and lobbied for Uganda’s active re-engagement with the international tennis community.
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Kinetic Management Group (KMG) in 2010 — one of Uganda’s pioneering agencies for managing talent and connecting artists, athletes, NGOs, and corporate brands.
Through KMG, Cedric championed creative industry growth and was a vocal supporter of arts as a vehicle for national transformation.
He also dabbled in acting, taking on the role of Mr Stephen Amaru in the popular local TV series Beneath the Lies, further cementing his multifaceted public profile.
In 2021, Cedric joined electoral politics, standing for Member of Parliament for Kampala Central.
Though unsuccessful, his campaign — rooted in youth empowerment, civic engagement, and the development of Uganda’s creative industries — left a lasting impression, especially among Kampala’s urban youth.
Cedric’s education reflects his international outlook. He studied in Kenya, Uganda, England, and the United States, eventually earning a degree in International Business Administration from the University of Florida.
Those who know him speak of a man driven by purpose, fiercely loyal to Uganda, and devoted to empowering young people.
His sudden illness has sent ripples through media houses, sports federations, political networks, and the wider public, all of whom have rallied to support his recovery.
"Every donation, big or small, brings us one step closer to giving him the second chance he desperately needs,” the family says.
Well-wishers are encouraged to contribute through official bank accounts and fundraising platforms shared by the family.
As Cedric remains hospitalised in Nairobi, the nation watches, prays, and gives — hoping that a man who has given so much to Uganda will receive the lifeline he urgently needs.