The wreckage
Police has come up with details surrounding the fatal road crash that claimed the lives of two Next Media Services employees and left a third colleague critically injured in the early hours of Friday along Entebbe Road.
According to Traffic Police spokesperson Superintendent of Police Michael Kananura, the crash occurred at about 2:00 a.m. near the Stabex petrol station in Namulanda when two vehicles were involved in a head-on collision. Police said investigations into the exact cause of the accident are ongoing as officers work to establish what led to the deadly impact.
The victims have been identified as Badru Kasirye, a producer for Uncut Kalakata, and Isaac Ndamagye, a content creator and social media staff member at Next Media Services. Both men succumbed to injuries at the scene.
Brian “Makona” Ssemanda, a well-known entertainment journalist and presenter with Sanyuka TV, survived the crash but sustained critical injuries. He was rushed to Kisubi Hospital, where he remains admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) under close medical supervision.
The three journalists had been returning from an assignment covering the “Chicken Chicken vs Shawa” celebrity boxing event held at Supremacy Lounge in Nakulabye when tragedy struck on their journey back.
In an official statement, Next Media Services confirmed the devastating loss and appealed for privacy as the affected families mourn their loved ones.
“Badru Kasirye and Isaac Ndamagye unfortunately lost their lives in the accident. Brian ‘Makona’ Ssemanda is in the Intensive Care Unit receiving treatment, under close watch from his medical team. We remain in direct contact with the hospital and will share updates on his condition as they become available,” the company said.
The broadcaster added that it would continue supporting the families while monitoring Ssemanda’s condition and providing verified updates when appropriate.
Kasirye’s burial has been scheduled for Friday at 4:00 p.m. in Bunamwaya, where family members, friends and colleagues are expected to gather to pay their final respects.
The deaths have sent shockwaves across Uganda’s media fraternity, with journalists, broadcasters, politicians and members of the public expressing grief over the loss of two young media professionals.
National Unity Platform Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya joined other leaders in conveying condolences to the bereaved families while wishing Ssemanda a speedy recovery. Rival media organisations, including Nation Media Group Uganda, also put aside competition to stand in solidarity with their colleagues during the difficult moment.
Social media platforms were flooded with tributes celebrating Kasirye and Ndamagye for their dedication, professionalism and contribution to Uganda’s fast-growing broadcast and digital media industry. Many colleagues described them as hardworking professionals whose commitment often saw them working late into the night to cover major entertainment and current affairs events.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers faced by journalists and media crews who frequently travel long distances, often during late-night hours, to report on assignments across the country.
It also renews concerns over road safety in Uganda, where fatal crashes continue to claim thousands of lives annually despite intensified traffic enforcement, public awareness campaigns and ongoing road safety reforms.
As police continue their investigations into Friday’s collision, the media industry remains united in mourning the loss of Kasirye and Ndamagye while holding onto hope that Ssemanda will recover from his injuries.
The accident leaves yet another painful reminder of the risks associated with road travel and the profound impact such tragedies have on families, colleagues and the wider community.
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