Senior NBS TV journalist Julius Kitone has died following a tragic road accident that occurred on Friday evening at Kibega I Village in Kiruhura District along the Kampala–Mbarara Highway.
Kitone was among eight people who lost their lives in a fatal crash involving a white Toyota Hiace (registration number UBQ 016U), commonly known as a “drone,” and a Mercedes-Benz Actros trailer (registration numbers KDQ 668L / ZH 5133).
According to Samson Kasasira, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Rwizi Region, the accident happened when the Toyota Hiace, which was travelling from Mbarara to Lyantonde, attempted to overtake at a corner and collided head-on with the oncoming trailer that was heading toward Mbarara.
“The Toyota Hiace driver overtook from a corner and ended up colliding with the oncoming trailer in its lane at Kibega I Village along the Mbarara–Lyantonde road, causing fatalities and serious injuries to the occupants of the Toyota Hiace,” Kasasira explained.
Eight people died in the crash, while one survivor is currently receiving treatment at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.
Julius Kitone was widely respected for his strong social networks, compelling storytelling skills, and dedication to environmental conservation. His passing is a significant loss to the media fraternity and the nation at large.
Burial arrangements will be communicated in due course.
