Former Monitor journalist Risdel Kasasira dies in car crash

Deceased. Risdel Kasasira. Photo | File
What you need to know:
- Traffic and Road Safety Police spokesperson Michael Kananura, says Kasasira was killed on the spot, while his wife and child, who were travelling with him, survived with injuries
Tragedy has struck the Ugandan journalism community with the sudden death of renowned security reporter Risdel Kasasira. The former Daily Monitor journalist perished in a fatal car accident on Masaka Road while returning from his village in Kashari, Mbarara District.
The fatal car accident occurred on January 3, 2025, at Kalagala-Malyansimbi village along the Lyantonde-Kashagama road in the greater Masaka sub-region.
According to Traffic and Road Safety Police spokesperson Michael Kananura, Kasasira was killed on the spot, while his wife and child, who were travelling with him, survived with injuries.
"A woman and a child who were in the same car are alive," Mr Kananura confirmed on Friday evening.
SP Twaha Kasirye, the Greater Masaka regional police spokesperson, attributed the accident to speeding.
“The driver of a Toyota Corolla Fielder, in which the victims were travelling, was speeding and she lost control, the vehicle veered off the road, and fell into a water trench, resulting in the death of one passenger, Kasasira Risidel, 45,” he said.
SP Kasirye added that three other passengers, including two children, Aretha Ntone, 5, and Elerio Nowangye, 3, were injured, along with the driver, Sharlote Nshimire, 36, their mother.

The wreckage of the vehicle he was travelling in. Photo | Courtesy
Kasasira, known for his fearless and incisive reporting, had covered several high-profile security stories, including the war against Al-Shabaab terrorists in Somalia and UPDF incursions into DR Congo. His colleagues in media fratenity and peers are still reeling from the shock of his sudden passing.
As an investigative journalist with over 17 years of experience, Kasasira had earned a reputation for his dedication to truth and his commitment to bringing critical stories to light.
The exact circumstances surrounding the accident are still unclear, but authorities are investigating the incident.
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