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Sanyuka TV producer and media personality Badru lost his life in a devastating road accident along Entebbe Road after leaving Thursday night’s celebrity boxing showdown at Supremacy Lounge in Nakulabye.

The crash also left popular presenter Brian Macona seriously injured. He was rushed to hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit.

The pair had reportedly attended the much-talked-about boxing clash between TikToker Chicken Chicken and comedian Shawa before setting off for home. However, their journey was cut short when the vehicle they were travelling in collided with another car.

Badru is reported to have died at the scene, while videos circulating online show a shaken and injured Macona moments after the crash.

Known for his behind-the-scenes work in television, lifestyle content, trade marketing, and coverage of celebrities and cultural events, Badru had built a respected name in Uganda’s entertainment industry. His sudden death has left colleagues, friends, and fans mourning the loss of a vibrant media personality.

The tragic accident comes only days after Macona reportedly spoke out about his vehicle being vandalised in a separate incident, adding to what has been a difficult period for the presenter.

Police investigations into the cause of the collision are ongoing, and authorities are yet to release further details surrounding the fatal crash. Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in for Badru as the nation prays for Macona’s recovery.

Enock Mugabi aka iWitness is a Journalist, Seasoned Writer and Music Analyst with a passion for sports.
Connect with him on social media using the links below in bio.

Makerere University successfully hosted the East African Universities Debate Championships (EAUDC) 2026, welcoming more than 200 student debaters, adjudicators, and delegates from 25 universities across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and other invited institutions for a week of intellectual competition, cultural exchange, and leadership development.

The championship ran from 26th July to 1st August 2026, turning Makerere into what organisers described as East Africa’s premier arena for ideas, innovation, and public discourse for the week.

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The tournament featured British Parliamentary debate rounds, public speaking competitions, adjudication workshops, and networking sessions aimed at sharpening participants’ critical thinking, leadership, and persuasive communication skills. Debaters tackled contemporary issues spanning governance, economic transformation, technology, public health, climate change, and Africa’s future.

At the opening ceremony, the Deputy Vice Chancellor welcomed delegates to Makerere, framing the event as reflective of the university’s commitment to producing graduates who are not just academically strong but capable of leading meaningful conversations that shape society.

Beyond the debate rounds themselves, EAUDC 2026 doubled as a cultural exchange, with delegates experiencing Uganda’s heritage through social events, campus tours, and cultural showcases that built friendships across national lines, reinforcing the championship’s underlying belief that dialogue is a strong foundation for regional integration and cooperation.

The championship wrapped up with a Grand Finale at Makerere’s Main Hall on 31st July 2026, attended by students, alumni, university leaders, and debate enthusiasts. Hon. Eng. Cuthbert Abigaba, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Sports, represented the Speaker of Parliament as Guest of Honour, congratulating Makerere on a successful event and encouraging students to keep debating.

Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Prof. Sarah Ssali pledged continued administrative support for the Makerere Debate Union, as teams demonstrated strong research, analytical reasoning, and eloquence before a panel of international adjudicators in one of the tournament’s most competitive editions yet.

With the East African chapter now concluded, attention shifts to the Pan-African Universities Debating Championship (PAUDC) 2026, where Makerere University will once again represent East Africa on the continental stage.

The successful hosting of EAUDC 2026 adds to Makerere’s growing reputation as a regional centre for debating and public speaking, building on its long-standing tradition of producing strong debaters and giving students the chance to engage with peers from across the region.

Former Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba has urged President Yoweri Museveni to appoint his daughter, Natasha Museveni Karugire, as Minister of Education and Sports, arguing that First Lady Janet Museveni should step back from the role as she continues recovering from illness.

In a post shared online, Baryamureeba said the time had come for a transition at the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), where Janet Museveni has served since 2016. He said that even as the First Lady works toward full recovery, she should prioritise her health over the demands of the ministry.

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“Now is the time for transition from Mama Janet to Natasha at the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES),” he wrote, adding that the First Lady should “put her life first and avoid the stressful work at the MoES.”

Baryamureeba argued that Natasha, who serves as the President’s private secretary for household affairs, is well positioned for the role because she has accompanied President Museveni on campaign trails and understands the country’s education needs. He also suggested she could be mentored by both her parents and use her position to lobby for increased funding for the education sector.

He described the proposed handover as one that would ensure seamless continuity in the education and sports sectors, calling it, in his view, one of the best successions possible for the ministry.

Janet Museveni has been recuperating since suffering a life-threatening illness on 21st March 2026. Because she has not yet resumed her ministerial duties, President Museveni appointed State Minister for Higher Education Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo as Acting Minister of Education and Sports on 25th June, a position he continues to hold pending the substantive minister’s return.

Baryamureeba’s proposal has sparked considerable debate on X, with many users questioning whether family ties should factor into public appointments. Political analyst Stella Nyanzi dismissed the proposal as possibly satirical, writing, “Satire, at its best, I hope!”

Other users pushed back more directly. Julius Kaweesi Ssengendo questioned whether relation, rather than competence, should be the benchmark for public service opportunities. A user identified as Ahmedofficial called the argument “rather simplistic,” saying he expected a more thoughtful, evidence-based analysis from a professor. Several other commenters asked why Baryamureeba was not instead advocating for a merit-based appointment process, with some suggesting the proposal sat awkwardly against his own academic credentials.

As of now, President Museveni has not publicly responded to the proposal, and Dr. Muyingo remains Acting Minister of Education and Sports.

Two Next Media staff members died at the scene early Friday morning after a Toyota Hilux allegedly lost control and crossed into the opposite lane, colliding head-on with the vehicle they were travelling in along Entebbe Road.

The deceased have been identified as producer Badru Kasirye and content creator Isaac Ndamagye. Their colleague, Sanyuka TV presenter Brian “Makona” Ssemanda, was injured in the crash and is currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit.

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The crash occurred at about 2am at Namulanda, near Stabex along Entebbe Road. According to Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura, the accident involved a Toyota Allex, registration number UA 779DE, carrying the Next Media staff, and a Toyota Hilux, registration number UAS 976W.

Preliminary police investigations indicate the Hilux was travelling from Entebbe toward Kampala when the driver allegedly lost control while approaching the Stabex area, drifting into the opposite lane and colliding head-on with the oncoming Toyota Allex. Kasirye and Ndamagye died at the scene, while Ssemanda was rushed to hospital for treatment.

Kananura said the exact circumstances and cause of the crash remain under investigation, with further details expected once the process concludes. Police have not yet released the identity or condition of the Hilux driver.

News of the crash has drawn an outpouring of grief from colleagues, friends, and associates of the deceased. Victoria University Vice Chancellor Dr. Lawrence Muganga described the deaths as heartbreaking news that is difficult to comprehend, mourning both Kasirye and Ndamagye in a message of condolence.

He extended condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased, noting that his thoughts were also with the wider Next Media family as they mourn the loss while hoping for Ssemanda’s recovery, offering prayers for his healing.

Badru Kasirye’s family has announced that his burial will take place at 4pm today, Friday, 7th August, at Bunamwaya, Mu Ngobe.

CampusBee extends its condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of Badru Kasirye and Isaac Ndamagye, and wishes Brian Ssemanda a full and speedy recovery.

SSEMBABULE, The Minister for the Presidency and Member of Parliament for Budiope West Constituency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, joined mourners in Ssembabule District for the burial of the late Mr. Mark Baingana, Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Makindye Division, Kampala.

The late Baingana was laid to rest on Thursday at his ancestral home in Ssembabule.

While delivering the tribute on behalf of Government, Minister Babalanda conveyed condolences from His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataha Museveni, the Permanent Secretary Office of the President, Hajji Yunus Kakande, and the entire staff of the Office of the President.

“It is with deep sorrow that we lay to rest our fallen Deputy RCC for Makindye Division, Mark Baingana. On behalf of the Office of the President, I extend our heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family,” the Minister said.

Minister Babalanda described the late Baingana as a dedicated, disciplined, patriotic and committed public servant who executed his duties under the Office of the President with integrity and professionalism.

“Mark Baingana was also a prayerful and faithful servant of God who could put God first in whatever he intended to do,” she noted.

Quoting Revelation 14:13, the Minister said: “Then I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘they will rest from their labour, for their deeds will follow them.’”

The Minister commended Resident District Commissioners, Resident City Commissioners, Deputies and their Assistants for standing with the bereaved family of their fallen comrade.

“I urge you to maintain that spirit of comradeship. As RDCs, you are the eyes and ears of the President on the ground. Stand together and serve Ugandans with integrity,” she said.

Minister Babalanda applauded residents of Ssembabule District for embracing H.E. President Museveni’s wealth creation agenda, including the 4-Acre Model, Parish Development Model – PDM, Operation Wealth Creation – OWC, and Emyooga.

She said these programmes have helped transform Ssembabule compared to other parts of the country.

“I express sympathy to the bereaved family for the loss of their loved one and also give thanks to God for the gift of life he lived,” she added.

The Minister prayed to the Almighty God to grant strength and comfort to the bereaved family and to grant the soul of their departed colleague eternal rest.

“May his soul rest in eternal peace,” she concluded.

The burial was attended by Government officials, RDCs, RCCs, Local Government leaders, religious leaders, family, and residents of Ssembabule District.

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Uganda’s entertainment and media fraternity is mourning the death of Sanyuka TV producer Badru following a fatal road accident in Namulanda on Entebbe road that also left entertainment presenter Brian Macona critically injured.

The crash occurred in the early hours of Monday as the trio was reportedly returning from the celebrity boxing event between Chicken Chicken and Shawa.

Badru, who worked as a producer and trade marketing officer at Sanyuka TV, died at the scene of the accident. Another occupant, identified as Isaac, also lost his life.

Macona survived the crash and was rushed to Kisubi Hospital, where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). His condition was reported to be critical by Monday morning.

The accident comes only days after Macona survived another road crash, making the latest incident an even more devastating turn of events for the entertainment presenter.

News of the tragedy sent shockwaves through Uganda’s entertainment industry, with fellow journalists, presenters and celebrities taking to social media to mourn Badru and pray for Macona’s recovery.

Media personalities, including Tabz and Bryan Aheebwa, shared heartfelt tributes, remembering Badru as a dedicated colleague while asking the public to keep Macona in their prayers.

Badru had built a reputation as a lifestyle content creator and producer, known for his behind-the-scenes entertainment coverage, celebrity interviews and digital content at Sanyuka TV.

The accident has once again reignited concerns about road safety in Uganda, where traffic crashes continue to claim thousands of lives each year.

Police had not yet released an official statement detailing the cause of the crash or the circumstances surrounding the accident by press time.