Veteran BBS Terefayina journalist and parliamentary correspondent Joseph Sseruwooza passed away in the early hours of Friday following a heart attack that was initially believed to be a stomach ulcer condition, according to information shared by a close friend and colleague.
Reports indicate that Sseruwooza began experiencing severe chest pain on Thursday morning. Thinking it was related to ulcers, he contacted fellow journalist Rafat Musoke and requested him to take over his duties on the station’s morning program.
Musoke later revealed that Sseruwooza’s condition steadily worsened throughout the day. Shortly after the program ended, he received a call from Sseruwooza’s wife informing him that his health had deteriorated significantly. Musoke immediately went to their home and accompanied the couple to Gombe Medical Services for urgent medical care.
Upon arrival, medical personnel treated Sseruwooza as an emergency patient after noting breathing difficulties and oxygen levels that had fallen below 90 percent. By approximately 3 p.m., he had been placed on a ventilator to support his breathing.
Doctors initially suspected that ulcers were the cause of his symptoms and began treatment while conducting further examinations. Antibiotics were administered, but despite the intervention, Sseruwooza continued to suffer intense chest pain.
As his condition failed to improve, doctors reassessed the situation. Later in the evening, after concluding that he had received the necessary antibiotics, they advised the family to return home.
However, during the journey back, Sseruwooza reportedly continued to complain of severe discomfort, prompting an immediate return to the medical facility for additional evaluation.
A chest scan was subsequently performed, revealing a blockage in one of his major coronary arteries caused by a blood clot. According to Musoke, the results were available almost instantly, leading doctors to recommend urgent specialized treatment.
Medical staff informed the family that immediate intervention was necessary and arranged for his transfer to the Uganda Heart Institute. Musoke said that during the ambulance journey, Sseruwooza appeared stable and was able to communicate normally.
The journalist arrived at the Uganda Heart Institute at approximately 2 a.m. on Friday, where doctors prepared to carry out a procedure aimed at clearing the blocked artery and stabilizing his condition.
Despite the efforts of medical specialists, Sseruwooza passed away at around 4 a.m.
Earlier that day, BBS Terefayina announced his death in a brief statement, describing him as a highly valued member of the newsroom.
Sseruwooza was widely respected for his reporting on parliamentary affairs and for hosting Zuukuka N’Ensonga, one of the station’s popular current affairs programs. News of his passing sparked widespread grief among colleagues, viewers, political leaders, and members of the media community.
The station stated that details regarding funeral arrangements and official tributes would be released at a later time.