KAMPALA, Uganda — The Ugandan media fraternity is mourning the death of BBS Terefayina journalist Joseph Sseruwooza, who passed away in the early hours of Friday at Mulago National Referral Hospital following complications from an ulcer operation.
BBS Terefayina announced the sad news on Friday morning, describing Sseruwooza as a dedicated reporter who was widely known for covering Parliament and hosting the station’s current affairs programme, Zuukuka N’ensonga.
BBS Terefayina announced his death in a statement posted on its social media platforms.
According to colleagues and friends, Sseruwooza died at around 4 a.m. after developing complications following surgery for ulcers. His death has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s media industry, where he had built a reputation as a hardworking and passionate journalist.
Tributes began pouring in shortly after news of his passing emerged.
David Lewis Rubongoya, Secretary General of the National Unity Platform (NUP), expressed his condolences to the journalist’s family and colleagues.
“Terrible news this morning of the untimely passing of Joseph Sseruwooza, BBS TV journalist. Kitalo nnyo! Deepest condolences to BBS and the entire media fraternity in Uganda,” Rubongoya posted.
Several politicians who frequently appeared on Sseruwooza’s programmes also paid tribute to him. Among them was Buikwe South MP George Musisi, who noted that he had appeared on Zuukuka N’ensonga just two days before the journalist’s death.
Media colleagues remembered Sseruwooza as a calm, respectful and professional reporter who remained committed to informing Buganda audiences on political, parliamentary and national affairs.
Sports presenter Rajab Bogere Kanakulya shared a photograph of Sseruwooza at work, describing his death as a painful loss to the profession.
Friends and fellow journalists said Sseruwooza’s coverage of Parliament, elections and public affairs had earned him respect among viewers and newsmakers alike. Many highlighted his ability to engage guests and audiences on complex national issues through his reporting and television presentations.
His passing comes as another blow to Uganda’s journalism community, which has lost several practitioners in recent years. Colleagues said his dedication, humility and passion for storytelling will be remembered by those who worked alongside him.
By Friday morning, messages of condolence continued to flood social media as journalists, politicians and viewers mourned the loss of a reporter many described as one of the promising young voices in Ugandan broadcasting.
Funeral arrangements were yet to be announced by the family and BBS Terefayina at the time of publication.