Gabby Bugaga, Burundi’s Minister of Communication, Information Technology and Media, was found dead on Thursday morning inside a vehicle in an oil palm plantation in the Kivoga suburb, north of the country’s economic capital, Bujumbura.
Reports began circulating on social media at around 8:00 a.m. local time (6:00 GMT), indicating that passersby discovered the minister’s body alone in a parked car. Footage shared online—though not independently verified—appeared to show a man wearing shorts and a green striped T-shirt slumped over the steering wheel of a private vehicle.
The vehicle, a pickup truck bearing the license plate “F 6525 A,” showed significant damage on one side. One of the victim’s legs was reportedly protruding from the car door, raising initial suspicions of a traffic accident. However, the precise circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear.
According to local outlet Iwacu, a car key was allegedly found inside a bag rather than in the vehicle itself, further fueling doubts about the accident narrative.
Local media reported that several senior government officials—including the ministers of Interior and Justice, as well as the government spokesperson—arrived at the scene shortly after the discovery.
In a statement, Government Spokesperson Jérôme Niyonzima confirmed Bugaga’s death, stating it resulted from an accident earlier that morning. The statement did not provide further details about how the incident occurred or whether an investigation would follow.
“The Government extends its condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues, friends and compatriots,” Niyonzima said, adding that funeral arrangements would be announced later. He also praised the late minister’s “bravery and dedication” in serving the country.
Despite the official statement, unanswered questions continue to surround the circumstances of Bugaga’s death.
Bugaga was appointed to the ministerial post in August 2025. A former journalist with national radio and television—RTNB, he previously served as a senior communications advisor and spokesperson for the Senate from 2018 to 2023. He later joined the country’s electoral commission (CENI) as logistics commissioner before entering the cabinet.
News of his death has triggered widespread reactions across the country. Politicians, journalists, and content creators have expressed shock and grief.
In a message posted on X, President Evariste Ndayishimiye said he was “deeply shocked” by the news and extended condolences to Bugaga’s family, describing him as a man of courage and determination.
Maison de la Presse du Burundi, a professional hub and support center for journalists in the country also paid tribute, highlighting his lifelong commitment to the development of the media sector.
As minister, Bugaga had championed initiatives aimed at supporting income-generating digital content, raising hopes among online creators. His sudden death has left many in the digital community uncertain about the future of these reforms.
“It is very bad news for us who work on social media—we were expecting major changes in monetization,” one content creator told local media.
Another added: “The minister who was fighting for us to earn more through monetization has passed away. Rest in peace.”
