Media fraternity mourns Next Media journalists killed in crash
Producer Badru Kasirye and content creator Isaac Ndamagye died instantly, while Brian 'Makona' Ssemanda was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at Kisubi Hospital for treatment.
The media fraternity is mourning two Next Media journalists, Producer Badru Kasirye and content creator Isaac Ndamagye, killed in an Entebbe Road crash. (Photo collage / Credit: Next Media)
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The media fraternity is mourning two Next Media journalists killed in an Entebbe Road crash, as colleagues, friends and industry leaders honour their dedication and contribution to journalism.
Producer Badru Kasirye and content creator Isaac Ndamagye died instantly, while Brian 'Makona' Ssemanda was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at Kisubi Hospital for treatment.
On his X account, local government minister Balaam Barugahara said he was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Badru, a dedicated producer and a social media handler at Next Media.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families, the entire Next Media fraternity, and the friends of the deceased,” he mourned.
The minister described the young men involved in the accident as exceptionally hardworking and said they would be greatly missed.
“I also pray for the swift and full recovery of the injured young man,” he added.
On behalf of the Uganda Media Centre, executive director Allan Kasujja said Uganda had lost committed media professionals whose dedication to the craft would not be forgotten.
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Ndamagye, a journalist with Next Media. Uganda has lost a dedicated and hardworking journalist,” he said.
“Deepest condolences to Next Media and the entire media fraternity on the tragic loss of producer Badru Kasirye and Isaac Ndamagye. May God comfort their families. Sending prayers for the full and quick recovery of Ssemanda, who is in the ICU,” he said.
On his X account, Dr Lawrence Muganga said he was deeply saddened by the passing of producer Kasirye Badru and content creator Isaac Ndamagye.
“My heartfelt condolences go to their families, friends, loved ones, and everyone mourning their loss. May God grant you strength, comfort, and peace during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.
Douglas Lwanga, a renowned media personality, stated on his X account that they spoke briefly at work, joked a bit and departed. “God !!!! Am still in shock. Rest easy Badru”.
Michael Kananura, the Police spokesperson for the Traffic and Safety Directorate, said the crash occurred at about 2:00 am on Friday (August 7) at Namulanda, near Stabex on Entebbe Road.
“It involved motor vehicles UA 779DE, Toyota Allex, and UAS 976W, Toyota Hilux. Preliminary investigations indicate that the driver of the Toyota Hilux, registration number UAS 976W, which was travelling from Entebbe towards Kampala, allegedly lost control and drifted into the opposite lane while approaching the Stabex area at Namulanda. The vehicle subsequently collided head-on with the oncoming Toyota Allex, registration number UA 779DE,” Kananura said.
He revealed that, as a result of the collision, Kasirye and Ndamagye died at the scene, while Makona sustained injuries and was rushed to hospital for treatment.
“The exact circumstances and cause of the crash remain under investigation. Further details will be communicated as soon as the inquiries are concluded. We extend heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased and wish the injured victim a quick and full recovery,” Kananura added.
The media company asked for privacy for the bereaved families and for Makona and his family as he continues to receive treatment.
The crash comes in the wake of several fatal accidents recorded during the week in which many people lost their lives.
On Monday, fourteen people were killed in a road crash in Lwera swamp, Kalungu district, on the Kampala-Masaka Highway on the night of August 3, 2026.
The crash, which occurred at around 11:00 pm at Kamunga Trading Centre, involved a Toyota Hiace taxi, registration number UA 662AQ, and a Sino truck, registration number UBS 040F, which was transporting sand.
On Wednesday, two people were confirmed dead, and several others were left nursing critical injuries after a commuter taxi crashed at Kakira Junction along the Jinja-Iganga Highway.
According to a statement from Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, where the injured were taken, the facility received 17 victims following the road traffic crash.
Traffic statistics
While releasing the 2025 annual traffic statistics in April this year, Traffic and Safety Directorate Director at the Uganda Police Force, Dr Lawrence Niwabiine, said a total of 26,044 road traffic crashes were reported in 2025, compared with 25,107 crashes recorded in 2024, representing an increase of 3.7%.
Niwabiine said that of the 26,044 crashes, 4,602 were fatal, meaning that one or more lives were lost, while 13,563 were serious and 7,879 were minor.