The Minister for Local Government, Balaam Ateenyi, has expressed deep sorrow following the deaths of Next Media employees Badru Kasirye and Isaac Ndamagye, who were killed in a road crash along the Kampala–Entebbe Road in the early hours of Friday.
The fatal accident occurred at Namulanda in Wakiso District at about 2:00am, claiming the lives of the two media practitioners on the spot.
According to preliminary police reports, the crash involved a Toyota Hilux and a Toyota Allex, with indications that one of the vehicles lost control and veered into the opposite lane, resulting in a head-on collision. Authorities say investigations into the exact cause are ongoing.
In a statement issued after the incident, Ateenyi described the loss as both painful and premature, noting the impact of the two young professionals within Uganda’s media landscape.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a dedicated producer Badiru and a social media handler at Next Media. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families, the entire Next Media fraternity, and friends of the deceased,” he said.
He further praised the duo as industrious and forward-thinking individuals whose careers had shown promise.
“Both were young, innovative, and talented individuals, gone far too soon. I am deeply saddened and disturbed by this heartbreaking loss,” the minister added.
Kasirye and Ndamagye were attached to Next Media Services and are reported to have been returning from a work assignment at the time of the crash.
Their colleague, Brian “Makona” Ssemanda, survived the accident but sustained serious injuries. He is currently admitted to the intensive care unit at Kisubi Hospital.
Ateenyi also conveyed his wishes for the injured survivor, expressing hope for a full and swift recovery.