Next Media presenter Makona injured in car crash, colleague dies

Entertainment presenter with Next Media Services, Makona has been admitted at Kisubi Hospital after he was involved in a road accident on Friday morning.

The crash also claimed the life of a colleague identified only as Badru, who reportedly died at the scene.

The circumstances surrounding the accident, including its exact location and cause, had not been disclosed by the time of publication.

The incident has sent shockwaves through Uganda's media industry, with journalists, fans and friends taking to social media to pray for Makona's recovery and mourn Badru's death.

Photo journalist Ninye Tabz described Badru as a friend and extended condolences to Next Media Chief Executive Officer Kin Kariisa, the deceased's family and staff.

Makona, whose real name is Brian Ssemanda, is an entertainment journalist and television presenter with NBS Television and Sanyuka TV.

He has became one of the faces of Sanyuka TV's entertainment programme UnCut Sabula, and built a reputation for celebrity interviews, entertainment reporting and coverage of major showbiz events.

By Friday morning, he remained under medical care in Kisubi Hospital.

Neither Next Media Services nor the Uganda Police Force had issued an official statement on the crash by the time of publication.