The Next Media staff killed in road accident tragedy has left Uganda’s media and entertainment fraternity in mourning after producer Badru Kasirye and content creator Isaac Ndamagye lost their lives in a fatal crash along Entebbe Road in the early hours of Friday.
Their colleague, Brian “Makona” Ssemanda, a Sanyuka TV presenter, survived the collision but remains admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following the crash at Namulanda near the Stabex area.
According to Traffic Police spokesperson SP Michael Kananura, the collision happened at about 2:00am and involved a Toyota Allex, registration number UA 779DE, which was carrying the Next Media employees, and a Toyota Hilux, registration number UAS 976W.
Police preliminary findings indicate that the Hilux was travelling from Entebbe towards Kampala when its driver allegedly lost control while approaching the Stabex area.
Investigators say the pickup allegedly crossed into the opposite lane before colliding head-on with the oncoming Toyota Allex. Badru Kasirye and Isaac Ndamagye died at the scene.
Ssemanda sustained injuries and was rushed to hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment in the ICU.
Traffic Police have stressed that investigations into the Next Media staff killed in road accident are still ongoing.
“The exact circumstances and cause of the crash remain under investigation.”
Police have also said additional details will be released once investigations are complete. At this stage, authorities have not disclosed the identity of the Hilux driver.
Police have also not provided information about the driver’s condition. No arrests or criminal charges have been announced.
The incident has drawn an outpouring of grief from colleagues, friends and associates of the deceased across Uganda’s media industry.
Among those who publicly paid tribute was Victoria University Vice Chancellor Dr Lawrence Muganga.
He described the tragedy as “heartbreaking news that is difficult to comprehend.”
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Producer Kasirye Badru and content creator Isaac Ndamagye.”
Muganga also extended his thoughts to the injured television presenter. “Brian, we are praying for your healing and believing in your full and speedy recovery.”
Badru Kasirye and Isaac Ndamagye were both employees of Next Media.
Brian “Makona” Ssemanda serves as a presenter with Sanyuka TV, one of the media platforms under the Next Media group.
The fatal Entebbe Road accident has become another major story affecting Uganda’s broadcasting industry, with many readers closely following updates on the condition of the surviving colleague and the police investigation.
The crash at Namulanda has also renewed public attention on serious road accidents occurring along the busy Entebbe Road corridor.
Police say investigations into the Namulanda crash remain underway.
Authorities have indicated that further information will be released once inquiries are concluded.
Meanwhile, Badru Kasirye’s family has announced that his burial will take place at 4:00pm on Friday, August 7, in Bunamwaya, Mu Ngobe.
As family members, colleagues and friends mourn the loss of two media professionals, attention now turns to the outcome of the Traffic Police investigation and the recovery of Brian “Makona” Ssemanda.
