NBS TV journalist Julius Kitone was laid to rest on Monday at his ancestral home in Kiteredde, Kooki County, Rakai District.
Amid grief, wailing, and sorrow, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers remembered Kitone as humble, focused, and easy to work with.
During the burial, several speakers highlighted the dangers of reckless driving on Ugandan roads, which continue to claim the lives of young people and leave families in mourning.
Leading the requime mass, Rev Fr. Steven Kijjambu of Kiziba parish urged drivers to take responsibility on the roads and called on law enforcement authorities to strengthen vigilance along highways.
Fr. Kijjambu called on Kitone’s friends never to forget him, but to remner him by always visiting his children and offer support.
Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, cautioned motorists about careless driving, noting that impatience behind the wheel is causing the loss of many young lives.
Owoyesigyire further condemned the theft of road signs, emphasizing that such acts not only endanger motorists but also contribute to the rising number of accidents on Ugandan roads.
He also paid tribute to Kitone, calling him a humble man and encouraging fellow journalists to emulate his professionalism.
Abubaker Lubowa, a journalist leader, broke down while speaking, echoing the call for safer driving. He remembered Kitone as a caring friend who always looked out for colleagues, especially during assignments in upcountry areas.
Tadeo Atuhura, Communications Manager at Microfinance Support Centre, praised Kitone’s contributions in highlighting stories of economic empowerment through the media.
Former Mityana Woman MP and Kitone’s former colleague at NBS TV, Joyce Bagala, praised him for his respectfulness, noting that he would address people by high-ranking titles as a mark of courtesy and esteem.
Ismail Ssembatya, a news anchor at NBS, urged fellow journalists to emulate Kitone’s professionalism, describing his character as exemplary and worthy of imitation.
He also urged mourners to continue supporting Kitone’s family, particularly his children, as a way of honoring the memory of the late journalist
Kitone tragically died last week on Friday evening in a road accident along the Kampala-Mbarara Highway, which claimed eight lives. He is survived by five children—three boys and two girls.
Many of Kitone’s former bosses at NBS TV described him as respectful, humble, and easy to work with, remembering him as a journalist who made a positive impact both professionally and personally.
