Editors Mourn

“It is a great tragedy. It is not just human waste but also a waste of great productive talent for The New Vision,” the paper’s managing director and Editor-in-Chief, William Pike, said yesterday on the death of four sports journalists in a car crash. Felix Osike reports that Kenneth Matovu, Simon Peter Ekarot and Leo Kabunga all of The New Vision, and Francis Batte of The Monitor, died when their Corona 464 UDA collided head-on with a truck near Lugazi. A memorial service for Matovu will be held at All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero, at 11:00am today and the burial will take place at 2:00pm at Nansana on the Kampala-Hoima road. A service for Kabunga, Ekarot and Batte will be held at Mbuya Catholic Church at 1:00pm. The burial arrangements for Kabunga and Batte will be announced later while Ekarot will be buried on Thursday in Busia. Pike described Matovu as “probably the top sports journalist in Uganda who had had a very distinguished career at The New Vision.” He said Ekarot was very loyal and dedicated. “His enthusiasm will be greatly missed.” He said Kabunga’s experience and vast knowledge would be greatly missed. Pike, on behalf of the company, sent condolences to their families. Deputy Editor-in-Chief David Sseppuuya said, “It is the saddest day in The New Vision. We have never lost so many people at ago in such an accident.” He said Matovu had brought in technical skills to sports reporting. He described Ekarot as lively and hardworking. He said Kabunga had vast experience. To the families, he said, “We share their grief.” Sports Editor Louis Jadwong said, “It’s a tragedy. Matovu was the greatest sports writer ever in Uganda.” He said Ekarot was “very resourceful.” Monitor’s David Ouma Balikowa described the death as “very disheartening. It reminds us of the time we lost Mudin and Tebere.” He said Batte was “hardworking.” Ends