Digital pioneer Julius Kitone leaves legacy of AI-driven climate advocacy

Julius Kitone, Innovator and Developer of JuliKitAi/ECOEYE AI Climate Intelligence Platform died in car crash

KAMPALA — The Ugandan media fraternity is in mourning following the death of Julius Kitone, a veteran journalist and climate change advocate, who died Friday in a road accident along the Mbarara–Sanga highway. He was 35.

Kitone, a reporter for NBS Television, was among eight people killed when a commuter taxi collided head-on with a Mercedes-Benz trailer at Kibega I village in Kiruhura district. Police attributed the crash to reckless driving by the taxi operator.

A pioneer in digital environmental journalism, Kitone was widely recognized for bridging the gap between complex climate science and public understanding. In 2025, he launched JuliKitAi, also known as ECOEYE AI, an innovative artificial intelligence platform designed to aggregate and verify climate change data. The tool provides real-time intelligence for policymakers, researchers, and smallholder farmers to mitigate the effects of environmental degradation.

“Misinformation is a major challenge in climate discourse,” Kitone said during the platform’s launch. “ECOEYE AI filters through the noise to help stakeholders make sound decisions.”

Kitone joined Next Media Services in 2020 after establishing his career in Luweero District. He quickly distinguished himself through specialized reporting on agroecology, carbon emissions, and the “climate-mobility nexus”—the intersection of environmental change and human migration. His recent work included coverage of the East African Community’s federal executive committee and regional cybersecurity threats.

Next Media CEO Kin Kariisa expressed his sorrow, describing Kitone as a “Transformer” who showed up with quiet excellence.

“I last spoke with him last week,” Kariisa said. “My condolences to his family and our newsroom colleagues. Rest in Peace.”

Colleagues remembered Kitone as a hardworking professional who was eager to learn. Victor Tayebwa, a business reporter, said he had known Kitone long before joining Next Media.

“He always guided me,” Tayebwa said.

Producer Nelson Babyale added that Kitone was a dedicated professional who never failed to deliver a story once assigned. Fellow journalist Ismail Ssembatya described him as “friendly, genuine, and always eager to learn.”

Kitone’s career began in Luweero District, where his dedication eventually earned him a transfer to the head office in Kampala. Former Next Media news head John Imokola recalled that Kitone was exceptional, resilient, and passionate about his work.

“Julius was passionate and truly loved what he did, covering many difficult and sensitive stories with professionalism,” Imokola said.

In addition to his daily reporting, Kitone was a vocal advocate for climate justice and agroecology, often participating in specialized training with the African Centre for Media Excellence and InfoNile to improve data-driven storytelling in environmental conservation.

A vigil for Kitone will be held Sunday at 4:00 PM at Omuka Restaurant, Naguru. Burial is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Kiteredde Cell, Magabi Ward, Ntantamuki Town Council, Kooki County, Rakai District.