KAMPALA, UGANDA: The entire fraternity at Nation Media Group-owned NTV Uganda woke up to sad news on Saturday after one of their senior journalists Edward Muhumuza, 32, died in a car crash along the Entebbe Expressway.
In a tweet via the NTV Uganda’s official account, the station said; “NTV is saddened to announce the passing of our journalist, Edward Muhumuza, in a car accident,” the television announced.” It added: “Our hearts go out to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.”
At the time of his tragic death, Muhumuza was pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism and public relations at Nkumba University in Entebbe.
Muhumuza according to eyewitness accounts lost control of his vehicle at around 7 am a few metres after the Mpala UNRA toll gate as he was driving from Kampala towards Entebbe side.
“He veered off the road, the car jumped over the trench, flew into the sky and hit the huge signpost before rolling off the steep,” said one of the eyewitnesses and first responders at the accident scene.
“It’s alleged he lost control of his vehicle and went off the road, knocked sign post and overturned several times, killing him on spot. The cause of the accident has been attributed to overspeeding. However, more Inquiries are still at hand,” said Faridah Nampiima, the Trafic police spokesperson in a statement on the accident on Saturday morning.
Photos shared on Twitter of the scene of the reported crash showed the mangled maroon vehicle (UBG 323S) in which Muhumuza was travelling tipped on its side on the roadside, with the windscreen smashed and the driver’s door poked out.
Two bags and papers were seen scattered next to the body of the late journalist, who was wearing his press jacket at the time of the crash.
A detached steering wheel on the grassy ground provided a visual illustration of how serious the crash was.
Muhumuza Eulogized by Workmates
“I am short of words to describe my pain,” Sudhir Byaruhanga, a colleague tweeted on Saturday morning.
“Edward Muhumuza, you were the most promising reporter and very focused. I can’t believe it. May God accept your soul and strengthen your family and colleagues during this tough time. I will never forget the everyday jokes we cracked,” he added.
Another workmate, Yasin Mugerwa, narrated how Muhumuza had returned “from Bunyoro @1am this morning, spent an hour in the newsroom and decided to drive home….he had coursework to deliver this morning”.
“You really never know when you will see someone for the last time. I was in the newsroom, Edward entered and joking asked, but Sandra when will you start a family when you are here this late, it’s midnight, go home! I asked him the same and he said well I am just from upcountry. We laughed about it for a while and carried on with work. I later left leaving him behind,” Sandrah Twinoburyo tweeted.
“This morning I wake up to the news of his passing. I am glad God allowed me to see you last time Edward. This so heartbreaking,” she mourned.
Journalist Faridah Nakazibwe, a colleague who closely worked with deceased, described him as a young, hardworking man.
“May his soul rest in peace. So young. So reserved yet vocal. So professional, committed, focused, ambitious, and fun to be around. The newsroom is already empty without you, Eddie,”she tweeted.
“The entire Nation Media Group team is going to miss your contribution to the news bulletins. May you be received well by the creator. I am short of words to describe my pain,” she added.
Brief Profile & Background
Muhumuza previously worked at Vision Group’s Urban TV and was a news reporter for Nation Media Group’s NTV Uganda at the time of his reported death.
According to his profile on Twitter, the award-winning journalist has been a Current Affairs, Environment, Sports news addict & Social Media enthusiast.
In December 2022, he won an award for the best Land and Property Reporting at the Uganda National Journalism Awards.
Last year while commenting on a tweet by his colleague Sudhir Byaruhanga who was rooting for careful driving on roads, Muhumuza said: “Sometimes it’s not about how careful we are on the road. We just can’t avoid it. We gotta be prepared even if it’s to die.”
Muhumuza becomes the second NMG journalist to die in a road crash within two weeks after Andrew Mugati who was last week involved in a motorcycle accident in Buliisa district, where he was based.
At the time of death, Mugati, 34, was the Daily Monitor correspondent in Buliisa District, which falls under Fort Portal Bureau. Mugati’s sister, Ms Janet Ayebare, Mugati was riding a motorcycle on Monday, March 13, at around 8 pm when he knocked a cow on his way home.
He, unfortunately, died as he was being transferred from Hoima Regional Referral Hospital to Mulago National Referral Hospital.
According to the 2022 annual police crime report, there was a 35 per cent increase in common traffic offences registered country wide. In 2021, 336,722 traffic cases were registered while 456,993 cases were recorded in 2022.
Credit: Daily Express.