Kiruhura — The media fraternity in Uganda is mourning the death of NBS Television journalist Julius Kitone, who was among eight people killed in a fatal road crash along the Mbarara–Lyantonde highway in Kiruhura District.
The accident occurred on Friday at around 6:30 pm at Kibega I village, when a Toyota Hiace (drone) reportedly attempted to overtake and collided head-on with a Mercedes-Benz trailer.
According to preliminary reports, all eight people who died were passengers travelling in the Hiace. One survivor was rescued from the wreckage and rushed to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, where they remain in critical condition.
Kitone, described by colleagues as a dedicated and calm professional, was widely known for covering politics, elections, and climate conferences for NBS TV.
In a condolence message, the Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) said the industry had once again been struck by tragedy.
“We have received the sad news concerning the death of one of our own, Julius Kitone, journalist with NBS TV, whose life has perished in a road accident from Mbarara,” UJA said.
The association noted that the vehicle Kitone was travelling in was involved in a head-on collision after the driver attempted to overtake.
“Kitone was calm and an enterprising journalist whose contribution is remarkable and indelible. His death is a great loss to the media fraternity in Uganda,” the statement added.
UJA extended condolences to Kitone’s family, NBS Television, and the wider media fraternity, describing his passing as a painful loss.
“Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family, the country and the media fraternity. May his soul rest in peace,” the statement concluded.
Authorities are yet to issue an official detailed report, as investigations into the exact circumstances surrounding the crash continue.
