John Johns Yakuze, widely recognized as Uganda’s oldest active journalist and a former pressman to the late Kabaka Sir Edward Muteesa, has died at the age of 102.
He passed away having served the media industry for decades, earning a reputation as a fearless voice and a loyal servant to the Buganda Kingdom.
Yakuze, who had been working with Radio Buddu in Masaka for over 20 years, was still actively contributing to discussions and analysis every Saturday. His deep voice and sharp mind continued to inspire younger journalists and listeners alike.
Just two months ago, he gave what would become one of his last interviews, reflecting on his long journey in journalism.
“I joined the media after leaving the army. I had been a soldier during the Second World War, fighting with the King’s African Rifles against Hitler. When I returned, I knew I had to tell stories,” Yakuze said.
Yakuze’s career saw him rise to become the personal journalist to Sir Edward Muteesa, Uganda’s first president and the 35th Kabaka of Buganda.
“It was an honor to serve Kabaka Muteesa. I carried secrets I could never share because they were matters of the kingdom’s security,” he once said.
Despite lacking formal media training, Yakuze’s passion and discipline earned him respect.
“I learned everything on the job. In those days, commitment and truth were more important than a certificate,” he explained.
However, journalism was not without its dangers. Yakuze recounted a time when his reporting caused national unrest.
“One story I did sparked serious trouble. It taught me that words can be more powerful than bullets,” he said.
Colleagues describe him as a brave and principled man. Journalist Tomusange Kayinja, who worked closely with him, said:
“Many people didn’t know that Yakuze was also a founding contributor to publications like Tayifa Empya, Uganda Eyogera, and Munno. He even started Agaffa e Buddu, a regional newspaper.”
Yakuze’s passing is not only a loss to the media fraternity but also to the Kingdom of Buganda, where he is remembered as a national hero.
“He died as a warrior of the kingdom,” said one family member. “He kept the Kabaka’s secrets, even when the country was torn by conflict.”
As Uganda mourns the passing of a centenarian journalist who served with honor, his legacy lives on in the stories he told and the truth he upheld.