Veteran Journalist, Francis Mutazindwa, Uganda’s celebrated journalist breathed his last today’s afternoon [Sunday June 7th,2020], at Kampala Hospital where he has been admitted after an illness.
According to a blacksmith news message which made circulations on WhatsApp and other social media platforms, Mutazindwa was hospitalized after he complained of a heart attack.
“Hello, brethren sad news Francis Mutazindwa Former Station manager Revival Radio has passed away today Sunday 7th June 2020 at about 1:15 pm at Kampala Hospital. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” a WhatsApp message informing his relatives reads.
Mutazindwa’s name came to be written on the walls of fame in 2009 after he was arrested together with another Richard Tusiime and charged with defamation against Libya’s Col Muamar Gaddafi. The duo were charged after after they published stories alleging love affair between Gaddafi and Toro Kingdom’s Queen Mother, Best Kemigisa.
“In February this year, two Red Pepper editors,Richard Tusiime and Francis Mutazindwa were charged with defaming Libyan President, Col. Muamar Gaddafi, after they published stories alleging love affair between Gaddafi and Toro Kingdom’s Queen Mother, Best Kemigisa. The journalists were charged under Section 53 of the Penal Code Act, relating to the offence of publishing defamatory statements against foreign dignitaries, princes and rulers.” The Independent Archive Story reads.
This story caused tensions in Toro Kingdom with many doubting the kinship of the Kingdom’s King Oyo Nyumba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The story caused international bodies point an accusing finger on the relations between Col Muamar Gaddafi and the government of Uganda.
Mutazidwa, worked as a News Editor @ Uganda’s Tabloid Newspaper; Redpepper ~ in Namanve and later worked at Vision Group as Manager Media Platforms in Western Ug Bureau, (Radio West, TV West & Orumuri weekly Local Newspaper).
By the time of his death, he was working with an Anglican Church based MediaHouse; Revival FM in Mbarara.
Barbara Nyamwiza, an employee at Vision Group who worked under Mutazindwa’s supervision described the deceased as a counselor and a rarely found supervisor who always lent an ear to listen to any member of his team.
“There’s a particular day that got really dark for me at work and thanks to you. I got relieved,” Nyamwiza posted on her fb wall.
Moreen Katushabe, also described him as a manager who has been friendly to everyone and a parent.
“What kind of words can describe you! What can I say?You made me what I am today – You are the best supervisor, manager, friend and parent I have ever met,” Katushabe mourned.
Rest in Power Journalist Francis Mutazindwa.
