The Ugandan creative industry is reeling from shock following the sudden death of celebrated photographer Saad Byakuleka, popularly known as Saad Shots.
News of his passing on the evening of Friday, April 18, 2025, sent shockwaves across the internet, leaving fans and fellow creatives in deep mourning.
Saad lost his life in a tragic motorbike accident, just moments after sharing a Snapchat post that featured him standing beside the motorbike on the road. That image has since gone viral, believed to be the last photo he ever took.
The fatal crash occurred at Bugonga Junction near the Air Base and involved a head-on collision between two motorcycles, both riders dying instantly at the scene.
Confirming the incident, Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire posted on his X account:
“Yes, it is true. Two motorcycles were involved in a fatal accident at Bugonga Junction near the Air Base. Both riders were pronounced dead at the scene. Efforts are underway to have their bodies taken to Mulago City Mortuary.”
Friends and fellow creatives later confirmed Saad’s passing, sparking a flood of emotional tributes from across the entertainment, sports, and photography communities, where he had firmly established himself as a leading visual storyteller.
Saad was widely admired for his quiet demeanor and exceptional skill behind the camera.
Over the years, he built a reputable brand across Uganda’s entertainment, wildlife, and sports industries. His work, known for its clarity and emotional depth, graced numerous high-profile campaigns by both local and international clients.
As news of his death spread, social media platforms were filled with messages of grief and celebration of his life’s work.
Fans, celebrities, and colleagues alike described him as one of Uganda’s finest creative voices, a man whose lens captured stories that words could never fully express.
