On Sunday, January 5, 2025, family, friends, and colleagues gathered at Itara Village in Rubaya-Kashari, Mbarara District, to bid farewell to veteran journalist Risdel Kasasira.
His burial was a solemn occasion, marked by glowing tributes from mourners who described him as a humble, patriotic, and dedicated professional.
Kasasira’s untimely death in a car crash has left an indelible void in the Ugandan journalism fraternity and beyond.
As mourners spoke, it became evident that his work had touched many lives, transcending the often-fraught relationship between the press and the government.
A Unique Position in Ugandan Journalism
In his eulogy on behalf of the media fraternity, veteran journalist Charles Mwanguhya captured the delicate balancing act that defined Kasasira’s career.
“Being well connected in government, especially the military, but choosing the Daily Monitor as his place of work was not easy for him. The Monitor has often been labeled an ‘enemy paper’ by President Museveni, making it a controversial choice for someone in Kasasira’s position. But only Kasasira could manage such a job,” Mwanguhya said.
He went on to describe the suspicion Kasasira faced on both sides of the media divide.
“At the Monitor, some colleagues questioned whether he was a genuine journalist or a government spy. Yet he served with utmost professionalism from 2007 to 2021,” he told the mourners.
Praised for Integrity and Patriotism
Col. Chris Magezi, Military Assistant to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, also paid tribute to the late journalist.
He praised Kasasira for his unwavering integrity in reporting.
“We know many journalists who have made careers out of sensational reporting—often exaggerating issues for headlines. Kasasira was not one of them. He consistently focused on factual, professional journalism,” Magezi remarked.
Despite the often-turbulent relationship between the Monitor and the government, Col. Magezi acknowledged Kasasira’s ability to defend his publication while maintaining patriotic values.
Tributes from Local Leaders and Family
Mbarara District chairperson, Didas Tabaro, spoke of his personal friendship with the late journalist.
“I once asked him why he chose not to work for government media houses. He told me his commitment was to doing his work professionally, regardless of the challenges.”
Widow Shallot Kasasira, who survived the car crash that claimed her husband’s life, shared a heartfelt tribute.
“We were six years into a happy marriage. He loved me and our children dearly, always bringing joy to the family. He was quick to say sorry, quick to forgive, and always honest,” she said tearfully.
Shallot recalled how their children, five-year-old Aretha Ntone and three-year-old Elron Nowangye, adored their father.
“He will always be remembered as a loving husband and father,” she concluded.
A Life Dedicated to Journalism
Born on March 9, 1980, Risdel Kasasira Nimi was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Elifaz and Alice Nimi of Itara Village.
He began his education at Itara Primary School before joining Nganwa Secondary School for his O-levels and completing his secondary education at Mbarara High School in 1998.
After earning a degree in Mass Communication from Makerere University in 2002, Kasasira embarked on his journalism career.
He initially worked as a business contributor at the Daily Monitor, later moving to Ultimate Media Consult as a parliamentary reporter.
In 2007, he rejoined the Monitor, where he distinguished himself as an expert in security reporting. Kasasira was known for covering complex, high-stakes assignments, including Ugandan troops in Somalia under AMISOM, operations against the LRA in Central African Republic, and political instability in South Sudan.
In 2022, after leaving the Monitor, he founded the East African Centre for Investigative Reporting, an organization dedicated to elevating the standards of journalism in Uganda.
Recently, the center had won a significant grant to expand its work. At the time of his death, Kasasira was a stringer for the Associated Press news agency.
An Enduring Legacy
Kasasira is survived by his widow, Shallot, and their two young children. He is also remembered fondly by his siblings, two of whom are military officers, and his extended family.
A sister recounted his early passion for journalism, recalling how Kasasira would spend hours listening to the radio as a child. “He always had an interest in news, even as a young boy,” she said.
The late Risdel Kasasira leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, integrity, and resilience in the face of challenges.
As mourners lowered him to rest, they celebrated a life well-lived and a career that set an example for journalists in Uganda and beyond.
