Uganda’s entertainment and photography circles are in deep mourning following the sudden death of renowned photographer Saad Shots. The creative genius, whose real name was Saad Byakuleka, died in a tragic motorbike accident on Friday evening, April 18th, 2025.
According to a statement from Uganda Police Deputy Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, the fatal crash involved two motorcycles and occurred at Bugonga Junction near the Entebbe Air Base.
Both riders were confirmed dead at the scene. Their bodies have since been transported to Mulago City Mortuary.
“It’s true,” Owoyesigyire wrote in a tweet that shocked many on X. “Two motorcycles were involved in a fatal accident. Both riders died on the spot.”
Saad Shots was widely admired for his unmatched skill in capturing Uganda’s entertainment, sports, and wildlife scenes. He worked with both local and international brands, often blending creativity with raw emotion to tell visual stories that moved audiences.
His lens didn’t just document moments—it transformed them into memories.
But photography wasn’t his only love. Saad was also passionate about motorbikes and travel. He was frequently seen riding across the country, exploring Uganda’s scenic landscapes with fellow bikers. Tragically, it was this same passion that led to his untimely demise.
Tributes have since flooded social media, especially on X, where he had built a loyal following. Fans, fellow creatives, and public figures alike have shared heartfelt messages and memories of his work and warmth. Many praised his humility, consistency, and the unique energy he brought to every shoot.
“Gone too soon, Saad,” one post read. “Your art will live forever.”
A Passionate Life Cut Short
Saad Byakuleka, professionally known as Saad Shots, was a gifted Ugandan photographer whose lens captured some of the most striking visuals in events, sports, and wildlife photography.
His ability to frame emotion in a single image earned him admiration far beyond Uganda’s borders. From red carpet moments to raw shots of the wild, Saad built a legacy on excellence, creativity, and consistency.
But there was another side to him—Saad the adventurer. Off the clock, he was often seen riding across Uganda on his motorbike, documenting scenic backdrops and local culture. He wasn’t just chasing pictures; he was chasing life.
On the night of his death, Saad was riding a Triumph 1050, a powerful sport-touring motorcycle known for its agility and top-end speed. With a 1050cc engine and aggressive torque delivery, the bike is built for performance—but it also demands total focus and lightning-fast reflexes. Riders call it “a beast”—and rightly so.
In Uganda’s road conditions, even the most skilled biker faces an uphill battle. Potholes, reckless drivers, lack of proper traffic systems, and drunk driving make every ride a calculated risk. Add the weight of economic frustration, the mental toll of daily survival, and the fast pace of a bike like the Triumph—and the outcome can be unforgiving.
The wreckage from the scene tells the story. Twisted steel. Cracked bodywork. A beloved machine now a painful reminder of how fragile life is—especially on Uganda’s unforgiving roads.
Final Journey Begins in Kazo
The family of Saad Shots has released the official funeral arrangements. His body left Mulago Mortuary on the morning of Saturday, April 19, at 9:00 AM.
He will be laid to rest in his ancestral home in Kiruhura District, specifically in Kazo-Kitongore, on Sunday, April 20, at 12:00 PM.
His brother, Alex Muhumuza, in a heartfelt video message, spoke with visible emotion, saying, “We’ve lost our Saad. He’s gone. But we have to be strong—this is what God has decided.” He also shared contact details for those wishing to send condolences or make inquiries.
For condolences (mobile money), contributions can be sent to:
📞 0754448262 – Saad Byakuleka (the deceased)
📞 0777648262 – Katushabe Sauda
For inquiries, the family can be reached through:
📞 0754815333 – Alex Muhumuza
📞 0702080891 – Shabil
📞 0705794064
He concluded by thanking everyone who has shown support and added, “May God bless you all.”
As funeral preparations continue, many have urged authorities to improve road safety measures—not just for bikers, but for every Ugandan navigating these deadly roads.
There are growing calls for improved infrastructure, stricter traffic enforcement, and a cultural shift around reckless driving.
Saad’s brother giving the program for burial and the numbers to call or send condolences to. pic.twitter.com/3nulR2DbXY
— Rendar (@Namanya_Rendar) April 19, 2025
Legacy in Focus
Saad’s death is a heavy blow—not just to those who knew him personally, but to Uganda’s broader creative community. His work shaped how events were documented, how brands were perceived, and how moments were remembered.
He didn’t just take photos. He told stories.
He didn’t just ride. He lived fully.
And now, though gone far too soon, his legacy will live on—in galleries, in memories, and in the hearts of those he inspired.
