KAMPALA — The Next Media newsroom gathered in mourning at Omuka Restaurant in Naguru on Sunday evening to pay tribute to Julius Kitone, a respected journalist killed in a grisly road accident along the Mbarara–Lyantonde highway on Friday, February 13, 2026.
Colleagues, friends, and family remembered him as a humble, selfless, and exceptionally committed reporter whose loss has left a deep void in Uganda’s media community.
The first confirmation of the tragedy arrived at 6:39pm, when a concerned colleague alerted the newsroom that Kitone had been involved in an accident.
Initial disbelief gave way to devastation as the news was verified by the Next Media Mbarara bureau chief, confirming that Kitone did not survive.
Police in Rwizi Region later attributed the crash at Kibega I Village to reckless driving, noting that eight lives were lost in the incident.
Born in February 1991, Kitone joined Next Media in 2020 and became a dependable general reporter with a particular focus on climate change.
Colleagues recalled his quiet diligence and consistent humility in the newsroom.
Lilian Mutesi, Chief of Staff at Next Media, reflected on his selflessness: “During lunch, he would quietly flag that a colleague needed support and urge us to check in on them. He joined Next Media in 2020 and served in the newsroom team with quiet excellence.”
Former news anchor of Amassengejje and now MP-elect for Nansana Municipality, Zambali Bulasio, described Kitone as “a pillar in the newsroom" who never allowed himself to settle for less and never stayed in the comfort zone.
"The media will miss such passionate people,” he said.
Ernest Wisdom Kiyonga, former editor at NBS, praised Kitone’s ability to handle complex stories with humility, adding, “He was so selfless that he always smiled in the face of ingratitude… Julius was a good man. May he rest well.”
The late Kitone's former colleagues also voiced anger at the circumstances of his death. Samson Kasumba-Mulunda said, “We owe it to Julius to wage a war against reckless overtaking on our roads. A very good man had been murdered by an irresponsible society that manages public transport. I am extremely angry and livid. Julius, we are sorry you were murdered in cold blood.”
Others reflected on Kitone’s mentorship and camaraderie. Herbert Kamoga recalled how Kitone had guided him early in his career, helping him source stories and produce compelling videos.
“We formed a savings group called Rich Focus which he spearheaded; he was a man with big visions for prosperity,” Kamoga said.
Tracey Kansiime, a reporter at anchor at NBS, added, “He always offered to make life easy for anyone, with sources, editing, shooting — even with all that was on his plate. I am beyond heartbroken.”
Kitone’s final hours were a testament to his dedication. Just 30 minutes before the crash, he shared a lighthearted news update on the newsroom group, reflecting both his humor and his commitment to reporting, even in seemingly ordinary moments.
Next Media is supporting Kitone’s family during this difficult period. According to the vigil programme, the burial is scheduled for Monday, February 16, 2026, at 2pm in Kiteredde Cell, Magabi Ward, Ntantamuki Town Council, Kooki County, Rakai District.
Julius Kitone’s legacy, colleagues say, lies not only in the stories he filed but in the countless small acts of mentorship, generosity, and dedication that shaped the newsroom.
In a profession often marked by urgency and competition, Kitone’s life was defined by humility, integrity, and quiet excellence — a loss that will be felt far beyond the walls of Next Media.
