Driver Behind Crash that Killed Two Next Media Journalists Arrested

What the report says

Police in Uganda have arrested the driver of a Toyota Hilux linked to the fatal Nnamulanda crash on Entebbe Road that killed two Next Media journalists and seriously injured presenter Brian “Makona” Ssemanda. Nile Post reported that the suspect, identified as John Baptist Kigozi, was detained in a joint inter-agency operation after investigations into the August 7, 2026 collision.

According to the published report, Traffic Police spokesperson SP Michael Kananura said Kigozi would be taken to court to answer charges related to the crash. Police said the Hilux was travelling from Entebbe toward Kampala when the driver lost control, crossed into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a Toyota Allex carrying the journalists. The impact killed Badru Kasirye, known as Producer Badru, and Isaac Ndamagye at the scene.

The crash happened near Stabex fuel station at Nnamulanda as the journalists were returning to Kampala after covering a celebrity boxing event. Ssemanda was taken to hospital with serious injuries and has been recovering under medical care. Next Media CEO Kin Kariisa visited him at Case Hospital on Thursday, according to the report, while the company has also been supporting the families of the two journalists.

The arrests and police statement have added a new development to a case that has drawn broad concern in Uganda’s media community, where colleagues and public figures have continued to mourn the deaths and follow the injured presenter’s recovery.