Joseph Matovu

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It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Joseph Luwangiza Matovu, who departed from us on Friday, March 28, 2025, at his home in Kansas City. He was cherished by so many and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. 

Joseph is survived by his wife Speciosa, his three sisters Anna Namuyiga, Caroline Nayiga Kazigo, Ancilla Nabukenya Mpungu, his brother Mathias Mutaawe, his son Ambrose Matovu, and chosen children Dr. Grace Namayanja-Kaye, Dr. Lillian Nagaddya, Judith Namakula Matovu, Thomas Mayanja, Mathias Bunjo, Richard Lubega, Kaloli Lwanga, Tereza Nabukeera, Jane Nakanwaagi, Rose Nanjobe, Rose Nalubega, Kattuga Lawrence, 17 grandchildren and countless nieces, nephews and friends.

Joseph was born on May 5, 1940, to his mother Gaudensia Nankya and his father Daudi Katekere. After his father passed away when he was seven, he was cared for by his uncle Gabriel Byandala in Maya, Uganda. There, his uncle and aunt raised him as their own son.

In 1969, he married his wife, Speciosa Matovu, at Lubaga Cathedral in Kampala, Uganda.

He earned a diploma from Busubiza Teacher Training College and taught at St. Theresa’s Primary School in Kisubi, Uganda, for 10 years before moving to the United States in 1974 to pursue higher education.

In 1975, while working on a farm to pay for college tuition, he was involved in a tractor accident in Wamego, KS, and as a result, became paraplegic. From then on, he persevered through the adversity of his disability, earning a scholarship and becoming Rockhurst’s first wheelchair-bound graduate in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

He went on to work as a manager at the Hyatt Regency Hotel for five years before moving on to a disability advocacy organization, The Whole Person, where he served as Director of Operations and worked for 32 years before retiring.

He also served on a number of boards and councils, including at The Whole Person, The Pembroke Hill School, the Statewide Independent Living Council, and Christ the King Church.

Joseph was a deeply dedicated Catholic and a huge Chiefs fan, who loved gardening as well as sharing his warm, effervescent personality by connecting with an endless number of people. He was an incredibly inspirational and unique individual who will be missed by the countless people whose lives he touched.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, April 4, at Muehlebach Funeral Care on 6800 Troost in Kansas City, MO, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., with a Rosary to be prayed starting at 7:00 p.m. An additional Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 5, at Christ the King Church, beginning at 11 a.m., followed by a Rosary at 11:45 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. Afterward, a funeral procession will commence to Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery at 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd in Raytown, MO, for the burial. The wake will be held in the basement of Christ the King at 3 p.m.

Friends and family are invited to join in celebrating the beautiful life of Joseph.

May his amazing soul rest in eternal peace.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Joseph’s memory may consider making a donation to support his widow, Speciosa. Contributions can be sent via Zelle to 816-217-7499 or mailed to 1001 W 85th Street, Kansas City, MO 64114. Your kindness and generosity are deeply appreciated.