By URN
The media fraternity is mourning the death of Arua based journalist, Ronald Batre.
Batre ,35, died on Thursday morning at his home in Ayaa village in Ajia Sub County in Arua district.
Batre worked as Assistant News Editor at the Catholic Radio Pacis in Arua town until 2010. He later joined Uganda Radio Network as West Nile Bureau Chief and was moved to Kampala where he worked for sometime and returned to Arua.
He then joined Access FM in Arua town as Editor until December last year.
Clement Aluma, the Chairman West Nile Press Association, says the late Batre’s contribution to the media fraternity in West Nile and Uganda will never be forgotten.
“We have lost an iconic figure in the media fraternity in West Nile. Batre was a selfless person who worked with all Journalists and lived a friendly life,” said Aluma.
Felix Warom Okello, the Treasurer West Nile Press Association, described the deceased as a hardworking man who had the zeal to accomplish the assignments he was given.
“He was a hardworking journalist who was resilient in doing his job, something that earned him respect and promotions at the places he worked at. He stood for the rights of the voiceless as he had great stories that changed the lives of the local communities,” Okello said.
Jonathan Driliga, the News Editor Arua One FM, says Batre’s death is a big loss to the media fraternity in West Nile.
“I knew him in 2002 when he joined me at Voice of Life FM. He was such a humble person who was dedicated to his job,” said Driliga.
Tabu Butagira, who has been friends with Batre for more than a decade, says they were so close that at some time they each bought sleek, double-suspension Mountain bikes and rode majestically on Arua town streets before or after news gathering.
His former workmates at Uganda Radio Network have described Batre as a hardworking and humble person.
Barbara Among, says that Batre impressed her as a brilliant writer who had the nose for good stories and would have become one of the best journalists in the country.
Ronald Odongo says Batre was passionate about his work. He says that Batre taught him to always concentrate and be committed to work.
Dear Jeanne says that Batre was quiet and reserved and occasionally made jokes, but above all, he did very good stories.
Alex Otto described Batre as a good friend, who socialized a lot, and valued people especially his close friends.
“I worked with him in Kampala, he was an aggressive person who pulled off stories, especially when it came to politics. Another thing was his zeal for business and enterprises he once told me he should just go back and become a businessman in Arua,” Otto said.
Anthony Kushaba says Batre was a symbol of selfless humanity through his career in Journalism.
“I remember the light moments at URN and the evenings in Wandegeya. You have gone to be with the Lord and one day we will join you.
Dominic Ochola who has been friends with Batre since 2008 says that Batre performed well in his journalism career. He also says that Batre would express his happiest moments and was good on the dance floor.
“Ronald Batre would express his happiest moments and joyfully unleashes distinct styles on the dance floor.,” Ochola said.
The late Batre will be buried on Saturday at his ancestral home in Ayaa village Ajia Sub County Arua district. He is survived by a widow and two children.
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